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THE 


ORDERLY  BOOK 

n 

OF 


Colonel  William  Henshaw, 


OF  THE  AMERICAN  ARMY, 

April  20 — Sept.  26,  1775. 


INCLUDING 

A MEMOIR  BY  EMORY  WASHBURN, \ 

AND 

NOTES  BY  CHARLES  C.  SMITH. 


WITH  ADDITIONS  BY  HARRIET  E.  HENSHAW. 


/ac-Stmtles. 


BOSTON: 

A.  WILLIAMS  AND  COMPANY. 
1881. 


University  Press: 

John  Wilson  and  Son,  Cambridge. 


PREFATORY  NOTE. 


In  printing  this  Orderly  Book,  care  has  been  taken  to  follow 
the  exact  spelling  of  the  proper  names;  but  other  words  have 
been  spelled  according  to  the  common  usage  at  the  present 
time.  Colonel  Henshaw’s  spelling  of  names  is  not  uniform, 
and  in  writing  them  he  was  no  doubt  largely  guided  by  the 
pronunciation.  He  wrote  a very  legible  hand,  and  in  very 
few  instances  can  there  be  any  doubt  as  to  what  the  word  or 
letter  is. 

In  the  Library  of  the  Historical  Society  there  is  a manu- 
script copy  of  the  orders,  from  April  20th  to  September  6th, 
inclusive,  which  has  been  much  used  in  correcting  Colonel 
Henshaw’s  copy,  and  which  is  cited  in  the  foot-notes  as 
Fenno’s  Orderly  Book.  It  is  in  two  small  quartos,  beautifully 
written  ; but  from  the  uniformity  of  the  handwriting,  and 
from  some  other  circumstances,  it  seems  not  to  have  been  an 
original  record.  The  writer  must,  however,  have  copied 
either  from  an  earlier  orderly  book,  or  from  memoranda  made 
at  the  time. 

Scattered  through  several  of  the  volumes  of  Force’s 
“American  Archives”  are  also  copies  of  the  General  Orders, 
beginning  July  3d,  the  day  on  which  Washington  took  com- 
mand of  the  army ; and  there  are  probably  many  other  copies 
extant.  In  the  Proceedings  of  the  Society  at  the  meeting 
June  10,  1875,  may  be  found  several  extracts  from  an  orderly 
book  supposed  to  be  Captain  Chester’s,  including  some  “ reg- 
imental orders.” 


IV 


PREFATORY  NOTE. 


By  one  of  the  earliest  of  the  General  Orders,  — April  25th, 
— it  was  directed,  “That  each  adjutant,  sergeant-major,  and 
orderly  sergeant,  be  immediately  provided  with  orderly  books, 
in  order  regularly  to  enter  the  orders  of  the  army.”  July 
5th,  the  adjutants  were  required  to  take  special  care  that  all 
General  Orders  should  be  “ communicated  as  well  to  the 
private  men  as  to  the  officers,  that  there  may  be  no  plea  of 
ignorance.”  Subsequently,  July  20th,  the  aides-de-camp  and 
majors  of  brigades  also  were  required  “ to  keep  regularly  en- 
tered in  a book  all  the  General  Orders  of  the  army,  as  well 
as  those  of  the  brigade  they  belong  to.”  From  the  General 
Orders,  July  17th,  it  appears  that  the  orders  had  not  been 
properly  published  at  that  time ; and  it  was  announced  that 
a failure  to  perform  the  duty  imposed  on  the  adjutants  would 
subject  them  to  the  penalties  of  a court-martial.  If  that 
duty  was  afterward  performed,  there  must  have  been  an 
orderly  book  for  every  regiment,  or,  at  least,  a copy  of  the 
orders  of  each  day  in  some  form. 

As  Colonel  Henshaw  did  not  receive  the  book  into  which 
these  orders  are  copied  until  July  5th,  the  earlier  orders  must 
have  been  taken  from  some  other  book  or  from  the  originals. 
It  is  not  easy  to  determine  when  he  Began  to  make  his  daily 
entries. 

For  the  Committee, 


CHABLES  C.  SMITH. 


MEMOIR 


OF 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


[The  Orderly  Book  of  Colonel  William  Henshaw,  which  is  here  printed 
from  the  original  manuscript,  belongs  to  his  granddaughter,  Miss  H.  E. 
Henshaw,  of  Leicester,  Mass.,  who  kindly  placed  it  in  the  hands  of  the 
committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  for  publication.  In 
accordance  with  her  wish  and  that  of  other  members  of  the  family,  a 
Memoir  of  Colonel  Henshaw  has  been  prepared  by  an  associate  member. 
Professor  Emory  Washburn,  as  an  introduction  to  the  Orderly  Book,  and 
it  follows  herewith  : — ] 

The  subject  of  this  notice  was  born  in  Boston,  Sept.  20,  1735.  He 
was  the  son  of  Daniel  Henshaw,  who,  with  his  brother  Joshua,  was 
a son  of  Joshua,  an  early  proprietor  of  Leicester.  Daniel  married 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Joseph  Bass,  of  Boston ; and,  when  his  son 
William  was  thirteen  years  of  age,  removed  to  Leicester,  upon  land 
belonging  to  his  father,  where  he  lived  till  his  death  in  1781,  at  the 
age  of  eighty  years.  Another  of  Daniel’s  sons,  who  also  lived  in 
Leicester,  was  the  father  of  the  Hon.  David  Henshaw,  at  one  time 
Secretary  of  the  Navy.  Another  of  his  sons  was  Joseph,  who 
graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1748.  He  married  the  daughter 
of  Joshua  second;  and,  in  1774,  removed  to  Leicester,  and  took  a 
prominent  part,  both  in  a millitary  and  civil  capacity,  in  the  early  and 
later  stages  of  the  Revolution.  Joshua,  his  father-in-law,  was  obliged 
by  his  political  opinions  to  remove  from  Boston  in  the  same  year,  and 


VI 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


for  a while  resided  in  Leicester.  His  son,  Joshua  third,  was  many 
years  register  of  deeds  for  the  county  of  Suffolk.  His  father,  Joshua 
second,  and  Joseph,  were  associated  and  active  co-workers  with  the 
Adamses,  Otis,  Warren,  Quincy,  and  others,  in  the  measures  which 
originated  and  carried  forward  the  Revolution.  Joshua  the  second 
represented  Boston  in  the  General  Court,  and  had  the  honor  of  being 
negatived  by  Governor  Bernard  when  chosen  to  the  Council ; having 
for  associates  in  being  so  rejected  Bowdoin,  Otis,  Hancock,  and 
Artemas  Ward. 

William,  the  subject  of  this  notice,  had  the  advantage  of  the  Boston 
schools  until  his  removal,  and  had  made  considerable  progress  in  the 
study  of  Latin,  with  a view  of  preparing  for  college,  as  his  brother 
had  done  before  him.  He  thus  acquired  a taste  for  literary  culture, 
which  he  afterwards  improved,  till,  as  will  be  seen,  he  applied  it  to 
practical  use  in  the  preparation  of  important  papers  and  documents  of 
a public  character  connected  with  the  Revolutionary  movements  in 
which  he  took  a part. 

In  1759,  he  received  a second  lieutenant’s  commission  in  Captain 
Baldwin’s  company,  and  Colonel,. afterwards  General,  Ruggles’s  regi- 
ment of  Provincial  troops,  under  General  Amherst,  and  served  during 
two  campaigns,  — being  stationed  a considerable  part  of  the  time  at 
Fort  Edward  and  afterwards  at  Crown  Point.  He  then  returned 
to  Leicester,  and  in  1762  married  Ruth  Sargent,  daughter  of  Jona- 
than Sargent,  of  that  town.  From  that  time  till  his  death,  he  lived 
upon  and  cultivated  a farm  in  the  easterly  part  of  the  town. 

Another  leading  citizen  of  Leicester,  Joseph  Allen,  afterwards  a 
representative  in  Congress  while  residing  in  Worcester,  had  removed 
from  Boston  in  1771.  He  was  a nephew  of  Samuel  Adams,  and 
shared  his  confidence,  and  was  in  hearty  sympathy  with  his  views. 
The  population  of  the  town  at  that  time  did  not  exceed  a thousand, 
and  most  of  them  were  farmers  of  small  means ; and,  considering 
their  remoteness  from  Boston  in  the  then  condition  of  intercourse, 
without  a post-office,  or  even  a mail,  except  one  carried  on  horseback 
about  once  a fortnight,  it  might  strike  one  with  surprise  to  learn  at 
how  early  a stage  in  the  growing  spirit  of  resistance  to  the  encroach- 
ments of  the  Crown,  the  people  of  Leicester  were  in  full  possession  of 
the  merits  of  the  controversy,  and  entered  with  a zeal  and  intelligence 
hardly  second  to  that  of  the  people  of  Boston  themselves  into  the 
discussions  to  which  it  gave  rise.  This  is  readily  to  be  traced  to  those 
family  relations,  and  not  a little  of  it  was  due  to  the  correspondence 


1876.]  MEMOIR  OF  COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


YU 


which  Colonel  Ilenshaw  kept  up  with  his  brother  Joseph  and  his 
cousin  Joshua.  Among  the  papers  which  he  left  are  sundry  letters, 
covering  a period  from  May,  1766,  to  August,  1774,  written  by  his 
cousin,  in  which  he  keeps  him  advised  of  what  was  doing  upon  the  one 
side  and  the  other ; but  in  which,  from  motives  of  prudence,  the  name 
of  the  writer  was  feigned,  or  omitted  altogether.  The  records  of  the 
town  also  show  a series  of  remarkable  papers,  commencing  as  early  as 
October,  1765,  and  continued  to  May,  1776;  consisting  of  instruc- 
tions to  the  representatives  of  the  town  in  the  General  Court  or  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  letters  and  communications  in  reply  to  those  received 
from  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  resolutions  setting  forth  the  rights  of 
the  people  and  the  wrongs  they  were  suffering,  and  the  views  of  its 
citizens  “ on  the  present  melancholy  situation  of  this  country.”  In 
their  style,  their  broad  and  statesmanlike  views  of  the  condition  of 
the  country,  the  principles  for  which  they  were  contending,  and  the 
bold  determination  they  express  of  maintaining  them,  these  papers 
will  compare  favorably  with  the  best  of  the  like  documents  which  ap- 
peared during  that  time,  and  have  excited  the  admiration  of  students 
in  history.  Several  of  the  most  striking  of  these  were  drawn  by 
Colonel  Henshaw,  and  some  of  the  others  were  prepared  by  committees 
of  which  he  was  a member. 

But  an  occurrence  in  which  he  took  a prominent  part,  in  April, 
1774,  partook  more  of  personal  courage  and  open  avowal  of  resistance 
to  the  objectionable  measures  of  the  government,  than  the  papers 
above  mentioned.  It  will  be  remembered  that  the  government  at 
home,  in  order  to  render  the  judges  of  the  Superior  Court  independent 
of  the  people  of  the  Province,  to  whom  they  looked  for  their  salaries, 
made  provision  in  1772  for  their  being,  in  future,  paid  out  of  the 
royal  exchequer.  The  people  regarded  this  as  a direct  attack  upon 
the  system  under  which  they  had  lived.  The  power  of  the  court,  as 
then  conducted,  was  very  imposing,  and  the  dignity  and  respect  it 
maintained  raised  it  above  the  ordinary  criticism  with  which  the 
other  branches  of  the  government  were  discussed.  With  an  almost 
unlimited  power  to  impose  fines  and  imprisonment  upon  such  as  pre- 
sumed to  disturb  the  course  of  the  proceedings  at  its  sessions,  it  is 
difficult  to  imagine  the  gravity  of  a measure  which  had  for  its  purpose 
to  assail  one  of  the  members,  and  that  the  chief,  at  one  of  its  sessions 
for  the  transaction  of  public  business.  Chief  Justice  Oliver  alone  had 
accepted  his  salary  at  the  hands  of  the  Crown,  and  in  that  way  had 
made  himself  the  object  of  general  odium.  The  House  of  Repre- 


VI 11 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


sentatives  took  measures  for  his  removal  by  a formal  bill  of  im- 
peachment. In  this  state  of  public  feeling,  the  term  of  the  court  was 
to  be  held  at  Worcester,  in  April,  1774.  It  was  a matter  of  grave 
difficulty  how  this  feeling  towards  the  Chief  Justice  could  properly  be 
manifested,  and  not  seriously  obstruct  the  transaction  of  the  civil  and 
criminal  business  of  the  county,  — especially  as,  up  to  that  time,  no 
one  seriously  thought  of  compromitting  his  allegiance  to  the  king  and 
royal  authority.  A panel  of  fifteen  grand  jurors  attended  at  the 
opening  of  the  court ; Colonel  Henshaw  was  one  of  them.  Instead 
of  offeriug  themselves,  as  usual,  to  be  sworn  to  the  performance  of 
their  duty  as  jurors,  they  handed  to  the  court  a written  protest, 
signed  by  them  all,  in  which  they  refused  to  act  as  jurors  if  Chief 
Justice  Oliver  was  to  act  as  one  of  the  judges.  In  it  they  declared 
not  only  that  he  was  disqualified  to  act,  but  they  added,  that,  “ by  his 
own  confession  he  stands  convicted,  in  the  minds  of  the  people,  of  a 
crime  more  heinous,  in  all  probability,  than  any  that  might  come  be- 
fore him.”  This  was  certainly  a bold  measure  and  bold  language 
for  a few  yeomen  and  mechanics,  called  from  their  farms  and  their 
workshops,  to  address  to  the  most  august  court  in  the  Province.  It 
carried,  moreover,  with  it  no  little  peril,  in  view  of  the  sensitive  char- 
acter of  the  court  to  its  own  dignity,  and  the  power  of  punishing  any 
contempt  committed  towards  them,  by  fine  and  imprisonment. 

Fortunately  the  Chief  Justice,  for  some  reason,  did  not  attend  the 
term,  as  it  had  been  expected  he  would  have  done,  and  the  business 
was  not  any  further  interrupted.  But  the  Chief  Justice  was  highly 
indignant  with  his  brethren  that  they  had  suffered  the  measure  to 
pass  unpunished.  “ Had  any  of  my  brethren,”  said  he,  “ been  charged 
in  so  infamous  a manner,  I would  for  ever  have  quitted  the  bench, 
rather  than  have  suffered  such  an  indignity  to  them  to  have  passed 
unnoticed.” 

The  protest  was  drawn  by  Colonel  Henshaw ; and  among  those 
whose  names  it  bears  was  Timothy  Bigelow,  who  was  afterwards  a 
major  in  Arnold’s  expedition  to  Canada,  for  whom  Mount  Bigelow, 
in  Maine,  was  named ; and  was  subsequently  the  gallant  commander 
of  the  famous  Fifteenth  Regiment  in  the  Massachusetts  line  of  the 
Continental  army.  Some  of  the  best-known  families  in  the  State 
claim  him  as  their  ancestor. 

This  was  the  last  term  of  the  court  held  in  Worcester  County 
under  royal  administration,  and  was  soon  followed  by  a general  cessa- 
tion of  all  civil  authority  of  the  royal  government  in  the  Province.  On 


1876.] 


MEMOIR  OF  COLOXEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


IX 


the  17th  of  June,  1774,  General  Gage,  by  proclamation,  dissolved  the 
General  Court;  and  from  that  time  till  the  19th  July,  1775, — more 
than  a year,  — the  people  of  Massachusetts  presented  a moral  spectacle, 
which  is  hardly  to  be  surpassed  in  history,  of  a self-governed  com- 
munity in  the  incipient  stages  of  a war,  whose  only  rulers  were  men 
voluntarily  chosen  by  them,  with  no  executive  prerogative ; whose 
recommendations  were  laws,  and  to  whose  officers,  military  as  well  as 
civil,  willing  and  unquestioning  obedience  was  rendered.  These 
representative  bodies  of  the  people  were  of  two  kinds : one  made  up 
of  delegates  from  towns  in  the  whole  Province,  who  took  the  name 
of  Provincial  Congress,  and  met  for  the  first  time  at  Salem,  Oct. 
7,  1774;  the  others  made  up  of  the  delegates,  or  committees  of 
correspondence,  of  the  towns,  who  came  together  in  the  several 
counties,  having  a more  limited  scope  of  action,  and  yet  adopting 
measures  to  carry  forward  the  great  work  of  furnishing,  arming, 
and  providing  for  troops,  and  maintaining  good  order  in  the  com- 
munity. The  first  of  these  meetings  was  held  at  Worcester,  on  the 
9th  August,  1774;  and  was  continued,  by  adjournment,  till  May  31, 
1775.  It  consisted  of  the  several  “ committees  of  correspondence  ” of 
that  county.  Colonel  Henshaw,  a delegate  from  Leicester,  was  chosen 
clerk,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  proceedings.  On  the  21st  Sep- 
tember, the  convention  advised  to  the  “organizing  and  officering” 
seven  regiments  of  troops  in  that  county ; and,  upon  the  motion  of 
Colonel  Henshaw,  recommended  that  one-third  of  the  men  of  the  re- 
spective towns,  between  sixteen  and  sixty  years  of  age,  be  enlisted, 
“ to  be  ready  to  act  at  a minute’s  warning,”  and  that  each  town  in  the 
county  choose  a sufficient  number  of  men  as  a committee  “ to  supply 
and  support  those  troops  that  shall  move  on  any  emergency.”  This 
was  the  origin  of  that  most  efficient  organization  known  as  “ minute- 
men,”  who  evinced  their  claim  to  the  title  by  the  promptness  with 
which  they  acted.  In  the  case  of  the  company  which  was  raised  in 
Leicester,  a messenger  having  reached  the  town  on  the  19  th  April,  a 
little  after  noon,  giving  the  alarm  that  the  British  troops  had  marched 
for.  Lexington,  the  members  were  collected  from  their  farms,  over  a 
territory  of  six  miles  square,  and  were  mustered,  and  began  their 
march  for  Cambridge,  within  four  hours  after  the  alarm  was  given. 
A regiment  of  these  minute-men  was  organized  in  Worcester  County, 
of  which  Mr.  Henshaw  was  the  colonel. 

Immediately  upon  hearing  the  alarm  on  the  1 9th,  Colonel  Henshaw 
took  measures  to  assemble  the  officers  of  his  regiment  at  Worcester ; 


X 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


and  by  ten  o’clock  that  night  they  were  there,  ready  with  arms, 
ammunition,  and  one  week’s  provision,  and  reached  Cambridge  the 
next  forenoon.  He  remained  at  Cambridge  till  the  16th  June,  when 
he  was  discharged,  and  left  for  home.  During  his  stay  at  Cambridge 
he  was  not  inactive.  He  was  a member  of  the  council  of  war  ; and,  as 
one  of  a committee  of  that  body,  he,  together  with  Colonel  Gridley 
and  Mr.  Richard  Devens,  of  this  committee,  in  connection  with  a 
delegation  from  the  committee  of  safety,  on  the  12th  of  May,  1775, 
reconnoitred  the  high  lands  in  Cambridge  and  Charlestown,  and  made 
a report,  signed  by  Colonel  Henshaw,  as  chairman  of  a sub-committee 
of  the  council  of  war,  and  Dr.  Church,  on  the  part  of  the  committee 
of  safety,  wherein  they  recommended  several  points  at  which  breast- 
works and  redoubts  should  be  constructed  between  Cambridge  and 
Charlestown  ; “ also,  a strong  redoubt  to  be  raised  on  Bunker’s  Hill, 
with  cannon  planted  there  to  annoy  the  enemy  coming  out  of  Charles- 
town, also  to  annoy  those  going  by  water  to  Medford.  When  these 
are  finished,  we  apprehend  the  country  will  be  safe  from  all  sallies  of 
the  enemy  in  that  quarter.”  This  report  was  made  to  the  committee 
of  safety  ; but  they  declined  to  take  action  or  advise  uj)on  the  matter, 
as  the  question  should  rest  wholly  with  the  council  of  war.  It  has 
been  generally  understood  that  it  was  in  pursuance  of  this  recom- 
mendation that  Colonel  Prescott  was  detailed  to  erect  works  on 
Bunker’s  Hill  on  the  ifith  June  ; though,  in  the  end,  he  concluded  to 
occupy  Breed’s  instead  of  Bunker’s  Hill. 

On  the  23d  June,  the  Provincial  Congress,  who,  as  already  stated, 
appointed  and  commissioned  officers  of  the  Provincial  army  around 
Boston,  requested  General  Ward,  the  commander-in-chief,  to  nomi- 
nate an  adjutant-general  of  the  forces.  This  he  did;  and,  on  the 
27th  of  that  month,  Colonel  Henshaw  was  commissioned  to  that 
office.  Upon  the  arrival  of  General  Washington,  with  General  Gates, 
who  had  been  commissioned  by  the  Continental  Congress  as  adjutant- 
general  of  the  American  Army,  Colonel  Henshaw  was  thereby  super- 
seded. This  was  on  the  3d  July,  1775  ; and  Colonel  Henshaw  was 
about  to  return  home,  when  he  was  induced  to  remain  in  the  service 
as  assistant  to  General  Gates.  The  account  he  gives  in  memoranda 
left  by  him,  and  made  a short  time  before  his  death,  is  as  follows : 
“ I rode  three  or  four  days  around  the  camp,  showing  him  [Gates]  the 
regiments  and  the  colonels,  intending  to  return  home.  He  requested 
me  to  stay  through  the  campaign,  as  he  could  not  do  without  an  assist- 
ant, and  I should  have  the  same  pay  and  rations  as  a colonel.  General 


1876.]  MEMOIR  OF  COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


XI 


Gates  told  me  to  write  to  the  Continental  Congress  for  my  wages,  and 
lie  would  write  them  that  he  had  employed  me  and  promised  me  the 
same  pay  as  a colonel.  I never  wrote  them,  and  have  never  received 
any  pay  for  my  services.”  * 

At  the  close  of  the  campaign,  Colonel  Henshaw  returned  to  his 
farm.  But  upon  the  personal  solicitation  of  General  Washington, 
after  a month  or  two,  he  was  induced  to  accept  office  in  the  Continental 
service,  under  the  following  circumstances,  as  stated  by  him:  “Pre- 
vious to  the  campaign  of  1776,  there  were  three  regiments  commanded 
by  lieutenant-colonels,  and  General  Washington  offered  me  the  com- 
mand of  either  of  them.  I went  and  conversed  with  the  officers,  and 
found  them  averse  to  it;  and  informed  General  Washington  that,  if  I 
accepted  his  offer,  it  would  be  injurious  to  the  service,  and  declined  it. 
He  then  told  me  he  hoped  I would  not  leave  the  service,  but  take  a 
lieutenant-colonel's  commission,  which  I did  under  Colonel  Little ; 
and  in  April  marched  to  New  York,  in  General  Greene’s  brigade. 
Soon  after,  General  Washington  came  and  ordered  said  brigade  to 
Long  Island.” 

His  regiment  was  in  the  disastrous  battle  of  Long  Island,  in  August, 
1776.  When  it  began,  he  was  stationed  at  Flatbush,  and  was  in 
command  of  a picket  guard,  and  found  himself  cut  off  from  the  body 
of  the  Continental  troops  by  the  sudden  advance  of  the  enemy  between 
him  and  their  encampment.  The  details  of  the  battle  as  given  in  the 
histories  of  that  day  are  too  numerous  for  a place  in  this  memoir ; 
but  there  were  those  alive  within  the  memory  of  many  now  living 
who  participated  in  the  events  of  that  day,  and  have  often  related 
the  part  which  Colonel  Henshaw’s  detachment  took  in  them,  and 
uniformly  ascribed  to  it  great  gallantry  in  cutting  its  way  through 
the  Hessian  troops  with  an  overwhelming  superiority  in  numbers. 
There  is  a very  brief  and  unassuming  account  of  it  in  a letter  which 
he  wrote  to  his  wife,  the  day  after  the  battle,  and  before  the  army 
began  their  memorable  retreat  to  the  main-land : “ We  have  had  an 
engagement  with  the  enemy,  were  surrounded  by  them,  and  had  a 
number  killed  and  taken.  I was  with  the  party  that  were  surrounded, 


* If  any  of  the  orders  contained  in  the  Orderly  Book  of  Colonel  Henshaw, 
herewith  published,  should  be  found  to  correspond,  substantially,  with  what 
have  been  published  from  other  sources,  it  will  not  be  difficult  to  understand 
how  this  may  have  happened  from  the  circumstance  of  his  co-operating  in  duty 
with  General  Gates,  instead  of  having  a distinct  department  to  himself. 


XU 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


and,  through  a kind  Providence,  got  through  their  fire  without  being 
wounded  or  taken  ; the  particulars  of  which  I have  not  time  to  relate, 
as  the  enemy  are  close  to  us,  and  we  expect  to  be  attacked  every 
ho iiiy/  His  statement  of  the  affair,  as  given  a short  time  before  his 
death,  when  his  memory  had  been  somewhat  impaired,  is:  “I  com- 
manded a picket-guard  at  Flatbush,  where  the  enemy  were  encamped, 
who  marched  and  formed  a line  between  us  and  our  encampment. 
Knowing  we  could  not  receive  orders,  we  marched  for  our  lines.  We 
fortunately  got  on  with  little  loss.”  But,  as  showing  how  sudden  the 
movement  on  his  part  was,  he  states  that  “he  lost  his  saddle-bags, 
spurs,  night-clothes,  and  gloves,  which  he  had  not  time  to  take  with 
him.” 

After  that  he  was,  for  some  time,  with  his  regiment  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  King’s  Bridge  and  White  Plains,  and  took  an  active  part 
in  the  battle  at  the  latter  place.  At  this  time  he  was  again  offered  a 
colonelcy  of  a regiment,  which  he  declined,  as  he  did  not  think  it 
right  to  prefer  a junior  officer  to  those  who,  by  the  disbanding  of  their 
regiments  by  expiration  of  the  times  of  their  enlistments,  would  be  de- 
prived of  their  commands.  When  the  army  marched  into  New  Jersey, 
his  regiment  was  under  the  command  of  General  Lee  until  he  was 
taken  prisoner,  when  his  place  was  filled  by  General  Sullivan.  Dur- 
ing this  time  his  regiment  was  under  his  command  in  the  absence  of 
its  colonel,  and  was  with  Washington  at  Trenton,  Princeton,  and  Mor- 
ristown ; at  which  place,  having  resigned  his  office,  Colonel  Henshaw 
left  the  army,  in  February,  1777.  The  reason  for  this  step  was  the 
number  of  officers  who  had  lost  their  command  by  the  disbanding  of 
their  regiments ; and  the  demands  of  a young  family,  which  called 
him  home  as  a matter  of  personal  duty.  He  left  the  service,  however, 
with  great  reluctance,  as  his  taste  naturally  led  him  to  a military  life, 
and  this  had  been  strengthened  by  his  early  and  later  experiences  in 
active  service.  But  he  did  not  retire  from  public  life,  nor  lose  a jot 
of  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  country,  upon  withdrawing  from  the 
army.  He  was  repeatedly  chosen  to  represent  his  town  of  Leicester 
in  the  General  Court,  and  was  for  many  years  an  active  magistrate 
in  the  county. 

Colonel  Henshaw  married,  for  his  second  wife,  Phebe  Swan,  a daugh- 
ter of  Dudley  Wade  Swan,  of  Leicester;  and  among  the  children  of 
the  marriage  was  one  to  whom  he  gave  the  name  of  his  old  associate 
in  arms,  Horatio  Gates,  who  died  in  1860,  at  the  age  of  seventy-one, 
a much  respected  citizen  of  Leicester.  Colonel  Henshaw  himself  died 


1876.]  MEMOIR  OF  COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


XLU 


in  February,  1820,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four;  his  wife  having  died  in 
1808. 

Enough  has  appeared  in  this  incomplete  sketch  of  the  life  of  Colonel 
Henshaw  to  show  that  he  possessed  many  strong  and  decided  traits  of 
character  ; but  it  can.  at  best,  give  a very  imperfect  idea  of  his  personal 
qualities  as  a citizen  and  a member  of  society.  In  his  deportment  and 
manner  there  was  a courtesy  and  dignity  which  had  been  cultivated 
by  his  association  with  military  life,  and  the  distinguished  men  of  his 
day.  He  was  a gentleman  of  the  old  school  in  his  dress  as  well  as 
personal  bearing.  He  rode  a horse  with  grace  and  ease ; and,  when 
walking,  moved  with  an  erect  figure  and  a firm  and  measured  step.  He 
never  gave  up  the  cocked-hat.  boots,  and  spurs  which  were  character- 
istic of  the  men  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  social  in  his  habits,  con- 
versed with  fluency  and  ease,  and  had  a store  of  interesting  incidents 
and  agreeable  memories  of  the  war  and  the  men  he  had  known,  which 
made  him  a welcome  guest  and  companion  with  the  young  as  well  as 
the  old.  In  his  life  he  exemplified  his  profession  as  a Christian,  and 
was  a liberal  supporter  of  the  religious  and  educational  interests  of 
the  town,  where  he  was  universally  respected  and  esteemed. 

He  belonged  to  a class  of  men  who  seem  to  have  been  raised  up  by 
Providence  to  plan  and  carry  through  the  Revolution,  and  lay  the 
foundation  of  a free  and  independent  Republic.  Like  most  of  his 
associates,  his  politics  were  of  the  school  of  Washington  and  Hamilton, 
before  offices  had  become  “ spoils,”  to  be  won  by  feats  of  unscrupulous 
political  partisanship.  And » if  the  memoir  of  one  whose  life  was 
chiefly  spent  upon  his  farm,  amidst  the  duties  of  a citizen  and  the 
courtesies  of  a Christian  gentleman,  can  do  no  more,  it  may  serve  to 
keep  alive  the  remembrance  of  the  class  of  men,  and  their  qualities, 
who  left  to  their  posterity  the  heritage  of  freedom  which  they  had 
won  by  their  patriotism  and  courage. 


William  Henshaw,  son  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  Bass  Ruth,  wife  of  William  Henshaw,  deceased  Jan.  1,  1709, 

Henshaw,  of  Boston,  was  married  to  Ruth  Sabgeant,  aged  twenty-five  years. 

daughter  of  Jonathan  Sabgeant,  of  Leicester,  on  the 
fourth  day  of  February,  1762. 


xiy 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.  [Oct. 


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1876  ] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


1 


ORDERLY  BOOK.* 


The  Regiment  of  the  Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  Esq.  t 


Jonathan  Ward,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Edward  Barns,  1st  Major. 
Timothy  Bigilow,  2d  Major. 


Captains. 
Josiah  Fay. 

Seth  Washburn. 
Job  Cushing. 
Daniel  Hants. 
James  Miilen. 
Luke  Drury. 
Jonas  Hubbard. 
Samuel  Hood. 
Moses  Weelock. 
Smith. 


Lieutenants. 


Joseph  Livermore. 
Ezra  Beman. 
William  Morse. 
Abel  Perrey. 
Asaph  Sherman. 


Moses  Kellogg;. 


James  Hart 
William  Boyd 


2d  Lieutenants. 

Loring  Lincoln. 
Asa  Rice. 

Paul  Bridgham. 
Aaron  Abbey. 
Jonas  Brown. 
William  Gates. 
Thomas  Seever. 
Obadiah  Mann. 
Elisha  Liman. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 
Surgeon. 


The  Hon.  John  Thomas,  Esqr's  Regiment.% 


The  Hon.  John  Thomas,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
John  Baileal  Jun.,  Lieut  -Colonel. 
Thomas  Mitchell,  Major. 

John  Jacobs,  2d  Major. 


Captains. 

Amos  Turner. 

Samuel  Stocbbridge. 
Nathaniel  Winslow. 
Freedom  Chamberlain. 
Eleazar  Hamlin. 


Lieutenants. 
Prince  Stetson. 
Attwood  Mott. 
Joshua  Jacobs. 
John  Turner,  Jun. 
Amos  Shaw. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Joshua  Barstow. 

Caleb  Nickolls. 
Nathaniel  Chittenden. 
John  Leavitt. 

Increase  Robinson. 


* At  the  top  of  the  first  page  is  the  following  memorandum  in  the  hand- 
writing of  Colonel  Henshaw : “ Present  from  Colo.  Joseph  Reed,  Esq.,  to  Wm. 
Henshaw,  July  5th,  1775.”  — Eds. 

f In  the  list  of  commissions  ordered  to  be  given  out  to  General  AVard’s  regi- 
ment, May  23,  1775,  and  printed  in  4 Force's  American  Archives,  II.,  823,  only 
the  first  nine  companies  are  included  ; and  the  names  of  John  Smith,  Timothy 
Brigham,  and  Thomas  Bond  are  given  as  lieutenants  of  the  companies  com- 
manded by  Captains  Hubbard,  Hood,  and  Weelock,  respectively.  In  Force’s 
list  there  are  several  variations  in  the  spelling  of  the  names,  of  which  only  two 
are  important,  — Miller  instead  of  Miilen.  and  Wood  instead  of  Hood.  Hen- 
shaw’s  handwriting  is  very  clear  and  exact,  and  in  each  instance  it  is  impossible 
to  mistake  the  name  as  he  has  written  it.  In  Force’s  lists  the  second  lieutenants 
are  called  ensigns.  — Eds. 

t In  the  list  printed  in  4 Force,  II.,  825,  826,  there  are  several  variations  in 
spelling  which  are  obviously  mistakes  of  the  copyist.  The  name  of  the  second 
lieutenant  of  Captain  Stockbridge’s  company  is  also  given  as  Nicholson,  and 
Solomon  Shaw  appears  as  second  lieutenant  of  Captain  Read’s  company,  instead 
of  David  Cobb.  — Eds. 


1 


9 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Captains. 

William  Read. 
Josiah  Haden. 

Daniel  Lothrop. 
Elijah  Crooker. 
James  Allen. 

Luther 
Adam  1 
Lemuel 


Lieutenants. 
Samuel  Brown. 
Zechariah  Gurney. 
Ephraim  Jackson. 
King  Laphan. 
Jacob  Allen. 

Bailey 

3ailey 

Cushing  .... 


2d  Lieutenants. 
David  Cobb. 
Joseph  Cole,  Jun. 
Abner  Hayward. 
Jacob  Rogers. 
Perez  Warren. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 
Surgeon. 


Regiment* 

Asa  Whetcomb,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Josiah  Witney,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Ephraim  Sawyer,  Major. 


Captains. 

John  Fuller. 

Ephraim  Richardson. 
David  Wilden. 

Abner  Cranson. 

James  Burt. 

Robert  Longley. 

Jon0,  Davis. 

Edmund  Bemis. 
Andrew  Haskell. 
Agrippa  Wills. 
Benjamin  Hastings. 

Jerimiah 


Lieutenants. 
Ebenezer  Bridge. 
Seth  Haywood. 
Ebenezer  Wood. 
Jon1  Guild. 

John  Kindrick. 
Silvanus  Smith. 
Jacob  Pool. 
Elisha  Fullsome. 
John  Wyman. 
John  Hoar. 

John  Houghton. 
Guager  .... 


William  Duninore 
Jerimiah  Larton  . 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Jared  Smith. 
Ephraim  Boynton. 
Jabez  Keep. 
Samuel  West. 
Jonathan  Sawyer. 
Ephraim  Smith. 
Ezekiel  Foster. 
John  Mead. 
Benjamin  West. 
David  Foster. 
Jonathan  Meriam. 
Adjutant. 

Surgeon. 

Quartermaster. 


Regiment,  f 

Joseph  Read,  Esq.,  Colonel. 

Ebenezer  Clap,  Lieut. -Colonel. 

Calvin  Smith,  Major. 

Captains.  Lieutenants.  2d  Lieutenants. 

Oliver  Pond.  Wigglesworth  Messenger.  Elias  Bacon. 

Samuel  Payson.  Royal  Kellock.  Enoch  Hewins. 


* The  list  of  Colonel  Whitcomb’s  regiment,  June  3,  1775,  in  4 Force,  II.,  827, 
does  not  contain  the  names  of  the  regimental  officers,  and  there  are  numerous 
variations  in  the  company  officers.  Benjamin  Hastings  and  his  two  lieutenants 
do  not  appear,  as  they  were  not  recommended  for  commissions  until  June  30. 
Captains  Wilden,  Longley,  and  Wills  are  called  Wilder,  Langley,  and  Wells, 
and  these  are  no  doubt  the  correct  spellings.  The  lieutenants  of  Captain  Burt’s 
company  are  given  as  Ebenezer  Woods  and  Jabez  Keep,  instead  of  John  Kin- 
drick and  Jonathan  Sawyer,  who  are  assigned  to  Captain  Haskell’s  company. 
Captain  Wilder’s  lieutenants  are  Jonathan  Quits  and  Timothy  Boutall,  neither 
of  whom  appears  in  Colonel  Ilenshaw’s  list.  Captain  Wells’s  lieutenants  are 
given  as  Jacob  Poole  and  Ezekiel  Foster ; and  Captain  Davis’s  as  Elisha  Fallum 
and  John  Meed,  while  Wyman  and  Benjamin  West  are  assigned  to  Cranston, 
and  Hoar  and  David  Foster  to  Bemis.  Guild  and  Samuel  West  do  not  appear 
in  Force’s  list.  — Eds. 

t The  list  (May  18,  1775)  in  4 Force,  II.,  823,  has  Hezekiah  Chapman  as 
chaplain,  Levi  Willard  as  surgeon,  and  Joseph  Adams  as  surgeon’s  mate.  In- 
stead of  Petty  and  Farmer  among  the  lieutenants  his  list  gives  Potter  and 
Farrer.  — Eds. 


1S76.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


3 


Captains. 

Andrew  Peters. 
William  Briggs. 
Seth  Bullard. 
Samuel  Warren. 
David  Batchelor. 
Samuel  Cobb. 
Moses  Knapp. 
Edward  Segrave. 

John 

Willi; 


Lieutenants. 
Levi  Alderieh. 
Simon  Leach. 
Thomas  Petty. 
Joseph  Cody. 
Benjamin  Farmer. 
Japhet  Daniels. 
Nehimiah  White. 
Job  Knap. 

Holden 

am  Jennison 


2(1  Lieutenants. 
William  Dalling. 
Jedidiah  Southworth. 
Ezekiel  Plimton. 
George  Whipple. 
Robert  Taft. 

Amos  Ellis. 

Benja  Capron. 

Peter  Taft. 

Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Timothy  Walker , Rsqr's  Regiment.* 

Timothy  Walker,  Colonel. 
Nathaniel  Leonard,  Lieut  -Colonel. 
Abiel  Mitchel,  Major. 


Captains. 

John  Perry. 

Samuel  Bliss. 

Silas  Cobb. 

Francis  Liscomb. 
Macy  Williams. 
Peter  Pitts. 

Caleb  Richardson. 
John  King. 

Oliver  Soper. 
Samuel  Tubbs.  Jun 
Mason 
Jacob 
David 


Lieutenants. 

John  Pain. 

Aaron  Walker. 
Isaac  Smith. 
Matthew  Randel. 
Samuel  Lane. 
Zebedee  Praideau. 
Enoch  Robinson. 
Noah  Hall. 

Simeon  Cobb. 
John  Shaw. 

Shaw 

F uller 

Parker 


2(1  Lieutenants. 
James  Bucklin. 
Joseph  Allen. 

Isaac  Fisher. 

Seth  Pratt. 

John  Cook. 

Henry  Briggs. 
Solomon  Stanley. 
Abraham  Hathway. 
Thomas  'Williams. 
Joel  Tubbs. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Theophilus  Cotton,  Rsqr's  Regiment .f 


Theophilus  Cotton,  Colonel. 
Ichabod  Ai.den,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Ebenezer  Sprout,  Major. 


Captains. 

Thomas  Mahew. 
Earl  Clapp. 

John  Bradford. 
John  Brigham. 
Joshua  Benson. 
Isaac  Wood. 

Peleg  Wadworth. 
Samuel  Bradford. 


Lieutenants. 
Nathan'  Lewis. 
Isaac  Pope. 

Jesse  Shirtefant. 
Edward  Sparrow. 
William  Thomson. 
Abiel  Townsend. 
Seth  Drew. 
Andrew  Sampson. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Benjamin  Warren. 
Charles  Church. 
Thomas  Sampson. 
Nehimiah  Cobb. 
James  Smith. 
Foxwell  Thomas. 
Joseph  Sampson. 
Judah  Alden. 


* The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  823,  gives  the  name  of  the  surgeon  as  Daniel  Park 
instead  of  David  Parker,  and  has  Raidean  instead  of  Prideau.  — Ens. 

t The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  824,  825,  May  26,  1775,  names  William  Thomas  as 
surgeon  and  John  Thomas  as  surgeon’s  mate,  and  has  John  Bradford  instead 
of  Samuel  Bradford,  Jesse  Sturtefant  instead  of  Jesse  Shirtefant,  Archelaus 
Cole  instead  of  Arcippus  Cole,  and  Judah  Allen  instead  of  Judah  Alden.  — Eds. 


4 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Captains.  Lieutenants. 

Amos  Wade.  Arcippus  Cole. 

Edward  Hamm  on.  Timothy  Ruggles. 

Joshua  Thomas  .... 
J ohn  Cotton 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Lemuel  Wood. 
Nathan  Sears. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 
Surgeon. 


Regiment.* 


John  Mansfeild,  Esq  , Colonel. 
Isr'Eal  Hutchinson,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Ezra  Putnam,  Major. 


Captains. 

Ezra  Newall. 

Enoch  Putnam. 
Ebenezer  Francis. 
Asa  Prince. 

Benj"  Kimball. 
Thomas  Barns. 
Addison  Richardson. 
John  Low. 

Gideon  Foster. 
Nathan  Brown. 


Lieutenants. 
Zadock  Buffington. 
John  Dodge. 

James  Bancroft. 
John  Upton. 

Job  Whipple. 
Nathaniel  Cleaves. 
Francis  Cocks. 
Stephen  Wilkins. 
Bille  Porter. 
Ephraim  Emerton. 


2d  Lieutenants. 

John  Peirce. 

Benja  Crafts. 

James  Matthews. 
Grimes  Tufts. 
Benjamin  Gardiner. 
Joseph  Henrick. 
Frederick  Reed. 
Archba  Batchelor. 
Hartfail  White. 
Thomas  Downing. 
Adjutant 
Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment,  f 

Timothy  Danielson,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
William  Sheppard,  Lieut  -Colonel. 


David 

Captains. 

Silvan  us  Walker. 
Enoch  Cheapin. 
Warren  Parks. 
Lebbeius  Ball. 

Gedeon  Burt. 

Paul  Langdon. 


Leonard,  Major. 

Lieutenants. 
Esau  C oburn. 
Luke  Day. 
Richard  Fally. 
Levi  Dunham. 
Aaron  Still. 
Avery  Parker. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Samuel  Flower. 

John  Sheppard,  Jun. 
Lem1  Bancroft. 

Walter  Pinchon. 
Daniel  Gadwell. 


* The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  826,  omits  the  names  of  the  staff  officers,  and  has 
Francis  Fox  instead  of  Francis  Cocks,  John  Reese  instead  of  John  Peirce, 
Simeon  Tufts  instead  of  Grimes  Tufts,  Herrick  instead  of  Henrick,  and  omits 
Downing’s  Christian  name.;  and  there  are  some  other  slight  variations.  — Eds. 

t The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  826,  May  27,  1775,  has  David  Shephard  as  surgeon, 
omits  the  name  of  the  second  lieutenant  in  Walker’s  company  ; has  Cadvvell  as 
first  lieutenant  in  Langdon’s  company,  and  omits  the  name  of  his  second  lieu- 
tenant ; omits  the  names  of  Burt’s  or  Burst’s  two  lieutenants ; has  Enos  Chapin 
and  Warham  Parks  instead  of  Enoch  Cheapin  and  Warren  Parks;  Farguison 
instead  of  Furgerson  ; omits  Peters,  Egrees  and  his  two  lieutenants,  and  Kemp- 
ton  and  his  two  lieutenants;  and  adds  Jonathan  Bardwell  as  captain,  with  Wil- 
liam Gillmore  and  Moses  How  for  lieutenants  ; and  also  omits  from  the  lists  of 
lieutenants,  Still,  Parker,  Lemuel  Bancroft,  Pinchon,  and  Pickens,  and  adds  to 
the  first  lieutenants  Samuel  Flower,  Caleb  Keep,  J.  Shepperd,  Jr.,  Samuel  Ban- 
croft, and  David  Hambleton  [Hamilton'!],  and  names  as  second  lieutenants 
Day,  John  Carpenter,  Falley,  and  Dunham.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


b 


Captains.  Lieutenants. 

Daniel  Egrees.  Seth  Smith. 

Nathan  Peters. 

John  Fnrgerson. 

Thomas  Kempt  on.  John  Chadwick. 

William  Toogood  . 
William  Young 


2d  Lieutenants. 
John  Pickens. 
Josiah  Winter. 
David  Hamilton. 
Amos  Saper. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 
Surgeon. 


Regiment.* 


William  Prescott,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
John  . Robinson,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Henry  Wood,  Major. 


Captains. 

Henry  Farewell. 
Hugh  Maxwell. 

John  Nutting. 

Joshua  Parker. 

Asa  Parker. 

Eliphalet  Densmore. 
Oliver  Parker. 

Joseph  Moore. 

Abijah  Wyman. 
Samuel  Gilbert. 
Samuel  Patch. 
Reuben  Dow. 

William 


Lieutenants. 

Levi  Witney. 
Joseph  Stebbins. 
Nathan1  Lakin. 
Amariah  Fassett. 
Ebenezer  Spaulden. 
Joseph  Spaulden. 
Joseph  Gilbert. 
Ephraim  Corey. 


Joshua  Brown 
John  Goss. 
Green  .... 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Benj“  Ball. 

John  Moshen. 
Thomas  Rogers. 

John  Williams. 
Thomas  Spaulden. 
Thomas  Cummings. 
Joseph  Baker. 


Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment,  t 

James  Frye,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
James  Brickett,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Thomas  Poor,  Major. 


* The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  824,  May  25,  1775,  has  only  the  names  of  the  first 
four  captains,  with  Asa  Lawrence,  Elpt.  Dinsmore,  Samuel  Patch,  and  Oliver 
Parker,  as  first  lieutenants,  and  Abijah  Wyman,  Timo.  Woodward,  and  Joseph 
Moor,  as  second  lieutenants ; but  in  two  recommendations  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  June  22,  and  June  23,  Samuel  Patch  is  named  as  a captain,  and  Zachary 
Walker  and  Joshua  Brown  as  lieutenants  in  his  company;  and  the  following 
persons  are  also  named : Ebenezer  Spalding  as  first  lieutenant,  Thomas  Rogers 
second  lieutenant  in  Parker’s  company  ; John  Williams-  as  first  lieutenant, 
Thomas  Spalding  second  lieutenant  in  Lawrence’s  company,  and  Ball,  Mosher, 
Cummings,  and  Baker  as  second  lieutenants  in  Farwell’s,  Nutting’s,  Wyman’s, 
and  Gilbert’s  companies  respectively. — Eds. 

t In  copying  this  roster,  Colonel  Henshavv  evidently  made  several  mistakes. 
The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  825,  gives  Daniel  Hardy,  adjutant;  Thomas  Ivitteridge, 
surgeon;  Benjamin  Foster,  quartermaster;  Benjamin  Varnum,  surgeon’s  mate; 
and  William  Hudson  as  the  name  of  the  captain.  It  also  includes  Samuel 
Johnson,  Nathaniel  Herrick,  John  Robinson,  Thomas  Stickney,  Timothy  John- 
son, John  Merritt,  Wells  Chasse, Fox,  and  Ballard  Foller  as  first  lieu- 

tenants ; Cyrus  Marble,  Issac  Abbot,  Eliphalet  Bodwill,  Benjamin  Pearly, 

Eliphalet  Hardy,  Nathaniel  Eaton,  Reuben  Evans,  and Reed  as  second 

lieutenants.  Colonel  Henshaw,  however,  is  right  with  regard  to  the  name  of 
the  captain,  William  Hudson  Ballard.  (See  General  Orders,  Aug.  9th.)  — Eds. 


6 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Captains.  Lieutenants.  ° 2d  Lieutenants. 

John  Davis. 

William  Pearly. 

Nathan1  Gage. 

James  Sawyer. 

Jonathan  Evans. 

John  Currier. 

Benj“  Farnum. 

William  Hudson  Ballard. 

Jonas  Richardson. 

Benjamin  Ames.  David  Chandler. 

Thomas  Kitteridge  . . . Adjutant. 

Daniel  Hardy Quartermaster. 

Benjamin  Foster  ....  Surgeon. 


Regiment.* 


Captains. 

Thomas  Drury. 
Phineas  Cook. 
Nathan  Fuller. 
Isaac  Hall. 
Josiah  Harris. 
Abner  Craft. 
Abijah  Child. 
Benjamin  Lock. 
Moses  Draper. 
Nailer  Hatch. 


Thomas  Gardner,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
William  Bond,  Lieut.-Colonel. 
Michael  Jackson,  Major. 

Lieutenants. 

William  Maynard. 

Josiah  Warren. 

Nathan  Smith. 

Caleb  Brooks. 

Barthol"  Irace. 

Joshua  Swan. 

Soloman  Bowman. 

Ebenezer  Brattle. 

Adjutant. 

— Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Joseph  Mixer. 
Aaron  Richardson. 
John  George. 
Samuel  Cutler. 
Thomas  Miller. 
John  Child. 
Jedidiah  Thayer. 
Stephen  Frost. 


Captains. 

Joseph  Butler. 
Abeih  Brown. 
William  Smith. 
Micajah  Gleason. 
Moses  McFarland. 
David  Moore. 
Thomas  Drury. 


Regiment ,f 


John  Nixon,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Thomas  Nixon,  Lieut.-Colonel. 
John  Butterick,  Major. 


Lieutenants 
Silas  Walker. 
Daniel  Taylor. 
John  Heald. 

Jonas  Kimball. 
David  Bradley. 
Micah  Goodenow. 
William  Maynard. 


2d  Lieutenants. 

Silas  Mann. 
John  Hartwell. 
Wm  Ryan. 

Jacob  Quimby. 
Jonathan  Hill. 
Joseph  Mixer. 


* In  the  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  827,  we  have  Downy  instead  of  Drury,  Trow 
instead  of  Irace,  Josiah  Swan  instead  of  Joshua  Swan,  Muier  instead  of  Mixer, 
and  Cutter  instead  of  Cutler.  — Eds. 

t The  only  names  in  4 Force,  II.,  829,  are  those  of  the  last  three  captains 
and  their  lieutenants.  In  his  list  Pattee  is  given  as  Patten,  Riggs  as  Briggs,  and 
Mixer  as  Muier.  — Eds. 


1ST  6.  ] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


Captains.  Lieutenants. 

Samuel  McCobb.  Benjamin  Pattee 

Ebenez'  Winship.  William  Warren 

Abel  Holden  .... 
John  White  .... 


2d  Lieutenants. 

John  Riggs. 

Richard  Buckminster. 
Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment* 


Ebenezer  Bridge,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Moses  Parker,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
John  Brooks,  Major. 


Captains. 

Jonathan  Stickney. 
Benjamin  Walker. 
John  Batchelor. 
Ebenezer  Bancroft. 
Peter  Coburn. 

John  Ford. 

John  Rowe. 
Archelaus  Towne. 
John  Harnden. 
Charles  Forbush. 


Lieutenants. 

Elijah  Danforth. 
John  Flint. 
Ebenezer  Dammon. 
Nathan1  Holden. 
.Tosiah  Forster. 
Isaac  Parker. 

Mark  Pool. 

James  Ford. 

W™  Blanchard. 

Jere  Blanchard. 


Joseph  Fox  . . 

John  Bridge . 

W alter  Hastings 


2d  Lieutenants. 
John  Lewis. 

Ebenezr  Fitch. 
James  Bancroft. 
Samuel  Brown. 
Ebenezer  Vernon. 
Jonas  Parker. 
Ebener  Cleveland. 
David  Wallingsford. 
Eleazer  Stickney. 
James  Silver. 
Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment,  f 

John  Paterson,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Seth  Read,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Jerimiah  Cady,  Major. 


Captains. 

Samuel  Kelson. 
William  Wyman. 
Joseph  Moss. 
Samuel  Sloan. 
Charles  Dibben. 
William  Goodrich. 
David  Noble. 
Thomas  Williams. 
Nathan  Haskins. 
Theodore  Bliss. 


Lieutenants. 

John  Bacon. 
Samuel  Chapin. 
William  Bowdoin. 
Zebadiah  Sabins. 
Simeon  Smith. 
David  Pixley. 
Joseph  Walch. 
Moses  Ashley. 
William  Clark. 
John  Lampson. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Nahum  Powers. 
Peter  WThite. 

Enos  Parker. 


Josiah  Wight. 
Orange  Stoddard 
Samuel  Wilcocks. 
Francis  Cabot. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 
Surgeon. 


* The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  826,  does  not  contain  the  names  of  the  officers  of 
the  last  four  companies  and  of  the  quartermaster  and  surgeon.  In  Colonel  Hen- 
shaw’s  list  the  names  of  the  captains  of  the  last  three  companies  and  of  the 
quartermaster  and  surgeon  are  not  in  his  handwriting,  and  are  in  a different 
colored  ink.  — Eds. 

t The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  825,  contains  only  the  first  nine  companies,  and 
has  Shelton  instead  of  Kelson,  Dibbell  instead  of  Dibben,  Watkins  instead  of 
Haskins,  Boudin  instead  of  Bowdoin,  and  Wilche  instead  of  Walch.  It  also 
designates  Parker  as  second  lieutenant  in  Wyman’s  company,  and  White  as 
second  lieutenant  in  Dibben  or  Dibbell’s  company  ; and  it  transposes  Stoddard 
and  Ashley,  whose  Christian  name  is  wanting  in  Force’s  list.  — Eds.  I 


8 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Regiment* 


James  Sc  ammons,  Colonel. 
Johnson  Moulton,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
David  Wood,  Major. 


Captains. 

Samuel  Derby. 
Tobias  Fernald. 
Ebenezer  Sulivan. 
Samuel  Sawyer. 
Jerimiah  Hill. 
Joshua  Bragdon. 
Jessee  Dormom. 
Samuel  Leighton. 
Jonathan  Newall. 
Phillip  Hubbard. 

Georg 


Lieutenants. 
James  Donnall. 
Thomas  Cutts. 
Thomas  Butler. 
William  Cozins. 
Samuel  Merrit. 
Morgan  Lewis. 
Daniel  Merrett. 
William  Farnall. 
Thomas  Newhall. 
Jedidiah  Goodwin. 
Marsden  .... 
Nason 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Joshua  Trafton. 
Parker  Forster. 
Nathaniel  Lord. 
Jerimiah  Littlefield. 
Peter  Page. 

Moses  Sweet. 

Joseph  Pettingill. 
William  Frost. 
Edward  Low. 

James  Roberts. 
Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment,  f 

Ebenezer  Larnard,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Danforth  Kyes,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Jonathan  Holman.  Major. 


Captains. 

Peter  Hairwood. 
Adam  Martin. 
John  Grainger. 
Joel  Green. 

Samuel  Billings. 
William  Campbell. 
Arther  Faggot. 
Nathaniel  Healy. 
Samuel  Curtis. 
Isaac  Bolster. 


Lieutenants. 

Asa  Danforth. 
Abel  Mason. 
Matthew  Grey. 
David  Bouty. 
Barnes  Sears. 
Reuben  Davis. 
Jonathan  Carroll. 
Salem  Town. 
Samuel  Larned. 
John  Hasleton. 
Banister  .... 


2<1  Lieutenants. 
Benja"  Pollard. 
Benjamin  Felton. 


Stephen  Goreham. 
Thomas  Fisk. 
John  Haywood. 

W“  Polly. 

Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment.% 

John  Fellows,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Nathan  Eager,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Benjamin  Tupper,  Major. 


* In  the  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  824,  there  are  numerous  variations  in  the  spelling. 
Of  these  the  most  important  are  Madison  instead  of  Marsden,  Nowell  instead  of 
Newall  and  Newhall,  Merill  instead  of  Merrit  and  Merrett,  Lather  instead  of 
Leighton,  Cattes  and  Cupont  instead  of  Cutts  and  Cozins,  and  Frafton  instead 
of  Trafton.  — Eds. 

t The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  823,  has  Doggett  instead  of  Faggot,  Prouty  instead 
of  Bouty,  Fish  instead  of  Fisk,  Howard  instead  of  Haywood,  and  some  other 
slight  variations  in  spelling.  — Eds. 

^ 1 The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  826,  827,  omits  Steward  Blake  as  second  lieutenant 
ImTlazleton’s  company,  and  adds  Samuel  Allen  as  second  lieutenant  in  Web- 
ber’s company.  It  also  gives  Warner  instead  of  Warren,  and  Bostwick  instead 
of  ierwick,  and  there  are  several  slight  variations  in  spelling.  — - Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


9 


Captains. 
William  King. 
Jonathan  Allen. 
Israel  Chapin. 
William  Bacon. 
Moses  Soule. 
Robert  Webster. 
Ebenezer  Pomroy. 
Abel  Thayer. 
Eben.  Webber. 
Simeon  Hazleton. 


Lieutenants. 
Samuel  Brewer. 
Oliver  Lyman. 
Perez  Bard  well. 
John  Hubbard. 
Noah  Allen. 
Chris'  Bannister. 
Wallis. 


Joseph  Warren. 
Samuel  Bartlet. 
George  Blake. 
Ebenezer  Bennet  . 

Seth  Hunt 


2cl  Lieutenants. 

Gamaliel  Whiting, 
Jonathan  Sterns. 
William  Watson. 
Michael  Loonies. 
Solomon  Dening. 
Everton  Berwick. 
Dan1  Kirtland. 


Steward  Blake. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 


Surgeon. 


Regiment* 


Captains. 

Joel  Fletcher. 
Adam  Wheeler 
Jona  Holman. 
John  Jones. 
Robert  Oliver. 
Abel  Wilder. 


Ephraim  Doolittle,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Benjamin  Holden,  Lieut. -Colonel. 


Willard  Moore,  Majo 

Lieutenants. 

John  Wheeler. 
Elisha  Sterns. 
John  Bowker. 
Samuel  Thomson. 
Thomas  Glover. 
Jonas  Allen. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Jonas  Prouter. 
Adam  Maynard. 
David  Poor. 

Abraham  Pennel. 
Daniel  Peek. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 
Surgeon. 


Regiment .f 


Jonathan  Brewer,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
William  Buckminster,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Nathan1  Cudworth,  Major. 


Captains. 

Isaac  Gray. 

Edward  Blake. 

John  Black. 

Aaron  Haynes. 
Daniel  Whiting. 
Benjamin  Bullard. 
Thaddeus  Russelles. 


Lieutenants.  2d  Lieutenants. 

Thomas  Willington.  Wilson. 

Abraham  Tuckerman.  John  Eames. 
Benjamin  Gates.  John  Patrick. 

Elisha  Brewer. 

Zebadiah  Dewey. 

Aaron  Gardiner. 

Nathan1  Maynard.  Nathan1  Reeves. 

Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


* The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  828,  has  Bowkin  instead  of  Bowker,  Proctor  in- 
stead of  Prouter,  Pike  instead  of  Peek.  — Eds. 

t In  the  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  829,  the  Christian  name  of  Dewey  is  given  as 
Obadiah  instead  of  Zebadiah,  and  Joseph  Stebbins  is  named  as  an  eighth  cap- 
tain, but  as  he  had  on  the  17th  of  June,  1775,  only  twenty-one  men  in  his 
pany,  lie  was  not  commissioned.  — Eds. 

2 


10 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Regiment.* 

David  Brewer,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Rufus  Putnam,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Nathaniel  Danielson,  Major. 


Captains. 

Homes  Walbridge. 
Peter  Ingersol. 

Levi  Rounseval. 
Halcomb  Henry. 
Isaac  Cotton. 
Jonathan  Bard  well. 
Abiathar  Angel. 
John  Packard. 
Jonathan  Danforth. 


Lieutenants. 

Jehiel  M ungen. 
Silas  Goodrich. 
Henry  Peirce. 

John  Gray. 

John  Wright. 
William  Gilmore. 
Isaac  Warren. 
David  Brewer,  Jun. 
Joseph  McNeal. 


Thomas  Weeks  . 
Ebenezer  Washburn 


2d  Lieutenants. 
James  Blogget. 
Thomas  Barnham. 
Samuel  Tabor. 
David  Sacket. 
Nathan1  Alexander. 
Moses  How. 

Simeon  Larned. 
Jonathan  Allen. 
Levi  Bo  win. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment,  t 


Hon.  WM  Heath,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
John  Graton,  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Jothain  Loring  2d,  Major. 


Captains. 

Charles  Cushing. 

Edward  Payson  Williams. 
Moses  Whiting. 

Joseph  Guild. 

John  Boyd. 

Elijah  Vorse. 

Silas  Wild. 

Jacob  Gould. 

William  Bent. 

Job  Cushing. 


Lieutenants. 

Elias  Whitten. 
Samuel  Forster. 
Aaron  Pain. 

John  Gay. 
Ebenezer  Dean. 
Phinias  Pain. 
Nathaniel  Niles. 
Asa  Dyer. 
Theophilus  Lyon. 
Nathan1  Nichols. 


2d  Lieutenants. 

Benjamin  Beal. 
Jonathan  Dorr. 
James  Findale. 
Isaac  Bullard. 
Joshua  Gould. 
William  Sumner. 
William  Herman, 

Shaw. 

Isajah  Bussey. 
Josiah  Oakes. 


Regiment.% 

Benjamin  Ruggles  Woodbridge,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Abijah  Brown,  Lieut. -Colonel. 

William  Stacy,  Major. 


* There  are  numerous  variations  in  the  spelling  of  the  names  as  given  in 
4 Force,  II.,  829,  830.  Of  these  the  most  important  are  Waldridge  instead  of 
Walbridge,  Colton  instead  of  Cotton,  Ithiel  Mungar  insteal  of  Jehiel  Hunger, 
Rice  instead  of  Peirce,  Lackett  instead  of  Sacket,  and  Lewis  Boen  instead  of 
Levi  Bowin.  — Eds. 

t Not  in  Force’s  lists.  — Eds. 

J The  principal  variations  in  the  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  828,  are  Cowden  instead 
of  Conder,  Croaker  instead  of  Crocker,  Rowley  instead  of  Rawley,  Shay  instead 
of  Shaes,  and  Thomas  Goodenough  instead  of  Ithanor  Goodnough.  Shay  is 
the  person  who  afterward  became  famous  as  the  leader  in  the  insurrection  called 
by  his  name.  July  3d  Asa  Barnes  was  recommended  for  a commission  as  a 
captain,  and  Caleb  Smith  and  Timothy  Read  as  lieutenants  in  his  company,  and 
William  Smith  and  Oliver  Waggetas  lieutenants  in  Captain  King’s  company. 
Colonel  llenshaw’s  lists  were  probably  made  out  about  the  1st  of  July.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


11 


Captains. 

Reuben  Dickerson. 
Noadiah  Leonard. 
Stephen  Pearl. 
David  Conder. 
John  Cowles. 
Ichabod  Dexter. 
John  King. 

Seth  Murray. 


Lieutenants. 
Zacheus  Crocker. 
Josiah  Smith. 

Aaron  Rawley. 

Ithanor  Goodnough. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Daniel  Shaes. 
Samuel  Gould. 
Abner  Pease. 


John  Mayo. 


A List  of  Officers  Cammissionated  by  the  Massachusetts  Congress,  dated 

May  19,  1775. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  June  30,  1775. 

The  committee  appointed  to  make  out  commissions  for  the  officers 
of  the  Colony  Army  do  hereby  certifie  that  the  following  is  a true 
list  of  the  officers  they  have  made  out  commissions  for,  and  delivered. 

Timothy  Langdon. 
Joseph  Wheeler. 

A true  copy.  Attest : 

Samuel  Freeman,  Secretary. 


William  Henshaw,  Esq.,  Adjutant-General,  commissioned  June  27. 
The  regiments  as  they  stand  in  the  manuscript  pamphlet , sent  the 
General  by  the  Congress  : — 


The  Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  Esq. 
Timothy  Danielson. 

Thomas  Gardener. 

Timothy  Walker. 

William  Prescot. 

John  Nixon. 

John  Fellows. 

Theophilus  Cotton. 

James  Fry. 

Ephraim  Doolittle. 

Asa  Wheteomb. 

Ebenezer  Bridge. 


Jonathan  Brewer. 

Joseph  Reed. 

John  Paterson. 

David  Brewer. 

John  Mansfeild. 

James  Scammons. 

Hon.  Wm  Heath. 

Ebenezer  Larnard. 

Benj“  Ruggles  Woodbridge. 
John  Glover. 

Moses  Little. 

Samuel  Gerrish. 


Regiment.* 

John  Glover,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
John  Gerry',  Lieut. -Colonel. 
Gabriel  Johnnet,  Major. 


Captains. 

William  Curtis. 
W"  Bacon. 
Thomas  Grant. 


Lieutenants. 
Robert  Harris. 
William  Mills. 
William  Bubier. 


2d  Lieutenants. 

Thomas  Curtis. 
Seward  Lee. 
Ebenezar  Graves. 


* The  list  in  4 Force.  II.,  828,  829,  June  15,  1775,  has  the  names  of  William 
Lee  as  a captain  with  John  Glover  and  Edward  Archbald  as  lieutenants  in  his 
company,  and  gives  Broughton  instead  of  Brornton,  Bleeker  instead  of  Blackler, 
Merritt  instead  of  Merrils,  Selmon  instead  of  Salomon,  Collyer  instead  of  Calyer, 
T.  Courts  instead  of  Curtis,  and  Lignerass  instead  of  Signcross. — Eds. 


12 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Captains. 

Joel  Smith. 
Nicholas  Brornton. 
Wm  Blackler. 

John  Merrils. 

John  Salomon. 
Francis  Symonds. 


Lieutenants. 
John  Bray. 

John  Stacy. 
Nathan1  Clark. 
Joshua  Prentice. 
Israel  Calyer. 
Wm  Russell. 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Joshua  Orn. 

John  Devereux. 
Nathan1  Pearse. 
Robert  Nimblet. 
Edward  Holeman 
George  Sign  cross, 


Regiment.* 


Moses  Little,  Esq.,  Colonel. 
Isaac  Smith,  Lieut.-Colonel. 
James  Collins,  Major. 


Captains. 

Jacob  Gerrish. 
Nathaniel  Warner. 
Nathaniel  Wade. 

Ab“  Dodge. 

John  Baker. 

Ezra  Lunt. 

Benjamin  Perkins. 
Gedion  Parker. 
Joseph  Robey. 
Timothy  Barnard. 

Stephen 


Lieutenants. 

Silas  Adams. 

John  Barnham. 
Joseph  Hodgkins. 
Ebener  Low. 

Caleb  Lampson. 
Moses  Kent. 
Joseph  Whitimore. 
Joseph  Evely. 
Shubael  Gorham. 
Paid  Lunt. 

Jenkins  .... 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Thomas  Brown. 
Daniel  Collins. 

Aaron  Parker. 

James  Lord. 

Daniel  Dorser. 
Nathan1  Montgomery. 
W"  Strickney. 

Moses  Trask. 

Enoch  Parsons. 

Amos  Atkinson. 
Adjutant. 

Quartermaster. 

Surgeon. 


Regiment,  f 

Samuel  Geriush,  Esq.,  Colonel. 


James  Weston,  Major. 


Captains. 

Richard  Dodge. 
Wm  Rogers. 
Thomas  Cogswell. 
John  Wood. 
Timothy  Cory. 
Barnabas  Dodge. 
Thomas  Mighill. 


Lieutenants. 
Robert  Dodge. 
Samuel  Carr. 
Moses  Dunton. 

Thomas  Cumings. 
Mathew  Fairfeild. 
Thomas  Pike. 


Christopher  Febiger 
Michael  Farley  . 


2d  Lieutenants. 
Paul  Dodge. 
John  Noyes. 
Amos  Cogswell. 

Jonas  Johnson. 
Joseph  Knight. 
Mark  Creasy. 
Adjutant. 
Quartermaster. 
Surgeon. 


* The  list  in  4 Force,  IT.,  830,  has  Burman  instead  of  Barnham,  Wedkins 
instead  of  Hodgkins,  Thompson  instead  of  Lampson,  Everly  instead  of  Evely, 
and  Brinard  instead  of  Barnard.  — Ens. 

t The  list  in  4 Force,  II.,  830,  June  22,  1775,  gives  Loammi  Baldwin  as  lieu- 
tenant-colonel, Wessen  as  major,  and  David  Jones  as  surgeon.  It  does  not  con- 
tain the  names  of  Rogers  and  his  two  lieutenants,  nor  John  Wood,  and  it  in- 
cludes Samuel  Sprague  as  a captain  with  Joseph  Cheever  and  William  Oliver 
as  his  lieutenants,  and  John  Baker,  Jr.,  as  a captain  and  Joseph  Pettingill  first 
lieutenant.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


13 


Brigade-Majors. 

Brewer. 

Trumbull. 

Henley. 

Cary. 

Box. 

Scammell. 

Rifle  Officers. 

Colonel  WM  Thompson. 

Lieut. -Colonel  Edw”  Hand. 

Major  Robt  Magaw. 

Adjutant  Houseacre. 

Quartermaster  Tho‘  Craige. 

Surgeon  WM  Magan. 

Mate  Mathew  Irwine. 

Camp  at  Cambridge,  April  20,  1775. 

Sent  a request  to  the  Committees  of  Safety  and  Supplies  for  provi- 
sion at  Concord  to  be  brought  to  Cambridge. 

General  Orders.  — That  Colonel  Gardner  repair  immediately  to 
Roxbury,  and  bring  all  the  bread  that  can  be  obtained. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Bond  bring  all  the  cannon  at  Watertown, 
Newtown,  and  Waltham,  together  with  part  of  the  ammunition,  into 


camp  at  Cambridge. 

In  Council  of  War* 

Generals. 

Colonels. 

Lieut. -Colonels. 

Ward. 

Frye. 

Nixon. 

Heath. 

James  Prescot. 

Whitney. 

Whitcombe. 

Wm  Prescot. 

Bullard. 

Spaulding. 

Bridge. 

Barrett. 

Mansfield. 

Wheelock. 

Mann. 

Ordered , That  each  colonel  appoint  for  his  regiment  an  adjutant, 
quartermaster,  and  sergeant-major. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hastings  be  appointed  steward  to  the  army  for 
the  day. 

General  Orders.  — All  officers  appointed  before  there  is  a regu- 
lar establishment  are  appointed  pro  tempore. 

General  Orders.  — That  guards  be  posted  as  follows  ; viz. : — 

Two  companies  in  Charlestown  Road,  with  advanced  parties  on  the 
heights;  one  guard  at  Phips’  Farm,  one  near  the  brickkiln,  one  at 
the  bridge,  and  one  towards  Menotomy.f  They  are  to  keep  a vigilant 


Brigades. 

Thomas’s. 

Spencer’s. 

Heath’s. 

Frye’s. 

Green’s. 

Sullivan’s. 


* From  an  Orderly  Book  kept  by  John  Fenno,  secretary  to  the  Commander- 
in-Chief,  beginning  April  20, 1775,  and  ending  Sept.  6,  1775,  now  in  the  Library 
of  the  Historical  Society,  it  appears  that  Joseph  Ward,  Secretary,  and  Samuel 
Osgood,  A.  D.  C.,  were  also  present  at  this,  the  first,  Council  of  War  in  the 
Revolution.  — Eds. 

t According  to  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book,  Colonel  William  Prescott  was  the 
officer  in  command. — Eds. 


14 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


lookout,  and,  if  the  enemy  make  any  movements,  or  if  discovery  should 
be  made,  to  give  immediate  notice  to  the  General. 

That  the  guards  parade  near  the  meeting-house,  and  all  adjutants  do 
mount  their  men  there ; the  town-house  to  be  the  guard-house  at 
present. 

That  a guard  be  mounted,  to  consist  of  a subaltern,  a sergeant,  and 
corporal,  with  thirty  men,  for  the  general  officers,  and  immediately 
attend  at  Captain  Stedman’s. 

Mr.  Bernsley  Stevens  appointed  adjutant-general  by  the  General. 

That  no  guns  be  discharged  in  the  streets  in  Cambridge  without 
leave. 

That  a captain  and  fifty  men  do  immediately  march  to  bu'ry  the 
dead  on  the  field  of  battle  ; one  lieutenant,  two  sergeants,  two  corporals, 
to  attend  the  party.  This  detachment  is  also  ordered  to  take  care  of  all 
the  wounded  that  may  be  found  on  the  road. 

That  every  officer  and  soldier  keep  close  to  his  quarters,  and  be 
ready  to  turn  out  complete  in  arms  at  a moment’s  warning  and  parade 
at  the  meeting-house. 

That  twenty  men  turn  out  of  each  regiment  for  the  picket  guard. 
That  Colonel  Spaulding  command  the  guard,  — two  captains,  four 
subalterns,  four  sergeants,  and  four  corporals. 

April  21  st. 

General  Orders.  — [That]  Colonel  Ward  command  the  guard, 
— one  captain,  two  subalterns,  two  sergeants,  two  corporals,  forty  rank 
and  file,  from  each  regiment. 

The  guards  to  be  posted  as  follows  : — 

Two  companies  in  Charlestown  Road,  with  advanced  guards  on  the 
heights:  one  guard  towards  - Phips’  Farm;  one  at  Winter  Hill,  con- 
sisting of  one  subaltern,  two  sergeants,  and  twenty  rank  and  file  ; 
one  at  the  bridge  ; one  towards  Menotomy. 

To  keep  a vigilant  lookout ; if  the  enemy  make  any  movements,  or 
any  discovery  is  made,  to  give  immediate  notice  to  the  General. 

That  each  commander  of  a regiment  or  detachment  now  in  camp,  or 
that  may  hereafter  arrive,  take  an  exact  list  of  the  officers  and  soldiers 
by  name,  and  make  daily  returns  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  number 
of  officers  and  soldiers  under  his  command,  in  the  form  following : — 

A Return  of  Colonel Regiment , April  — , 1775. 


That  the  Commissary-General  do  supply  the  troops  with  provisions 
in  the  best  manner  he  can,  without  spending  time  for  exactness.  That 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


15 


the  two  hogsheads  of  powder  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Pigion  be 
lodged  with  John  Goddard,  at  Brookline,  for  the  use  of  the  American 
troops. 

That  the  officers  of  the  guards  who  have  the  care  of  the  prisoners  do 
take  the  best  care  of  them,  and  treat  them  in  the  kindest  manner,  and 
procure  good  surgeons  to  attend  the  wounded. 

That  Colonel  Gerrish  be  the  officer  of  the  day. 

That  Colouel  Prescot,  Colonel  Warner,  and  Colonel  Learned,  to 
march  their  regiments  immediately  to  Roxbury,  to  join  General 
Thomas,  Friday  afternoon. 

That  the  picket  guard  consist  of  five  hundred  men,  commanded  by 
Colonel  Doolittle,  Lieut.-Colonel  Nixen,  Major  Butterick,  one  cap- 
tain from  Colonel  Gerrish’s  regiment,  one  captain  from  General 
Whitcomb,  one  captain  from  Colonel  Frye,  one  captain  from  Colo- 
nel Peirce,  one  captain  from  Colonel  Prescot,  one  captain  from  Colo- 
nel Bridge,  one  captain  from  General  Ward,  one  captain  from 
Colonel  Asa  Whitcomb,  two  captains  from  Hampshire,  two  subal- 
terns from  each  regiment. 

That  the  officer  of  the  main  guard  direct  all  his  officers  to  give  im- 
mediate notice  to  him  if  any  important  discovery  be  made,  and  he  give 
notice  to  the  officer  of  the  picket  guard. 

That  the  officer  of  the  picket  guard  do  immediately  turn  out  upon 
any  alarm,  and  march  to  the  place  of  the  alarm. 

This  day,  General  Putnam,  of  Connecticut,  attended  the  Council  of 
War. 

The  parole,  “ Putnam.” 

April  22 d. 

The  General  Orders. — That  Colonel  Stark  march  to  Chelsea, 
and  take  three  hundred  men  with  him,  to  defend  the  inhabitants  of  said 
town. 

Captain  Samuel  Osgood  appointed  brigade-major. 

The  same  as  yesterday,  Lieut.-Colonel  Parker  command  the 
guards. 

The  picket  guard  the  same  as  yesterday. 

Colonel  Joseph  Henshaw,  Lieut.-Colonel  Denny,  and  Major  Moore, 
commanding  officers. 

That  Captain  Brown,  of  'Watertown,  do  appoint  a proper  guard- 
house for  stragglers  and  persons  to  guard  them  who  have  had  the 
small-pox,  that  the  distemper  may  thereby  be  prevented  from  spread- 
ing among  the  inhabitants. 

General  Orders,  to  be  read  at  the  head  of  each  regiment  and 
department  by  the  commanding  officer.  — Whereas  many  persons 
in  Cambridge  have  left  their  houses  and  property : Ordered , that  if 
any  soldier  is  found  to  injure  the  interest  of  any  person  whatever,  he 
be  punished  according  to  the  rules  of  the  army.  That  if  any  soldier 
discharge  his  gun,  except  against  any  enemy,  the  officer  of  the  guard 
confine  him. 

That  a sergeant  and  six  men  mount  daily  to  guard  the  wounded  at 


16 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Mr.  Abraham  Watson’s  house,  and  that  they  be  taken  from  the  main 
guard. 

That  General  Heath  have  a guard  appointed  to  attend  him  at  his 
lodgings. 

That  a guard  be  appointed  out  of  Captain  Cook’s  company  to  pre- 
vent any  injury  that  may  happen  to  Judge  Danford’s  house  by  persons 
entering  the  same.  Guard  to  consist  of  a sergeant  and  seven  privates. 

That  Colonel  Green  do  march  his  regiment  to  Roxbury,  and  joiu 
General  Thomas. 

The  parole,  “ Sergeant.” 

April  23d. 

General  Orders.  — That  two  companies  mount  guard  at  Mr. 
Richardson’s. 

That  Captain  Hill  repair  to  Woburn,  and  apply  to  the  selectmen  for 
a suitable  house  for  the  reception  of  prisoners,  and  a guard  of  fifty  men, 
and  to  know  if  the  selectmen  can  provide- provisions  for  the  guard  and 
prisoners. 

Memorandum.  — Reported,  that  Josiah  Breed  is  a prisoner  at  Boston, 
and  desired,  that,  if  there  should  be  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  he  may 
be  remembered. 

April  24 th. 

General  Orders. — That  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regi- 
ment grant  passes  to  such  persons  as  bring  provisions  and  clothing  for 
the  camp. 

That  General  Thomas  do  send  an  officer,  with  a sufficient  guard,  to 
convoy  a mortar  and  ordinance  stores  to  Mr.  John  Goddard,  in  Brook- 
line, where  the  powder  is  now  deposited. 

April  2 oth.* 

General  Orders.  — That  each  adjutant,  sergeant-major,  and 
orderly  sergeant,  be  immediately  provided  with  orderly-books,  in  order 
regularly  to  enter  the  orders  of  the  army. 

That  the  Adjutant-General  obtain,  as  soon  as  possible,  a complete 
return  of  the  army,  in  order  to  form  an  equal  duty-roll. 

That  the  quartermaster  of  each  regiment  be  directed  to  see  that 
proper  kettles  be  provided  by  loan  from  the  inhabitants  for  the  use  of 
the  Provincial  troops,  until  the  Province  stores  can  be  delivered  out ; 
and  that  the  commanding  officers  of  each  company  see  that  they  are 
returned  in  proper  season. 

Officer  for  the  day,  Colonel  William  Henshaw. 

Field-officers  for  the  picket,  Colonel  Porter,  Major  Sawyer.  The 
picket  to  consist  of  seven  [captains],f  fourteen  subalterns,  twenty-eight 
sergeants,  three  hundred  and  fifty  rank  and  file. 


* From  Fen  no’s  Orderly  Book  it  appears  that  these  orders  were  issued  on 
the  24th,  as  well  as  the  orders  immediately  preceding.  They  are  probably 
what  are  elsewhere  designated  as  “after  orders.”  — Eds. 
t Supplied  from  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


17 


Field-officers  for  the  main  guard,  Colonel  Bridge,  Major  Carter. 
Main  guard  to  consist  of  six  captains,  twelve  subalterns,  twenty- 
four  sergeants,  three  hundred  rank  and  file.  The  aforesaid  guard  be 
paraded  this  morning  at  nine  o’clock,  and  relieve  the  present  guards. 

April  2oth. 

Parole,  “ Chatham.” 

General  Orders. — That  vaults  be  dag  in  some  convenient  place 
for  each  regiment. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  Nathan  Fuller. 

Parole,  “ Chatham.” 

That  Colonel  Fry  be  officer  of  the  day. 

Field-officers  for  the  picket,  Colonel  Prescot  and  Major  Raymond. 
The  picket  to  consist  of  seven  captains,  fourteen  subalterns,  twenty- 
eight  sergeants,  and  three  hundred  and  twenty  rank  and  file. 

Field-officers  for  the  main  guard,  Colonel  Green  and  Major  Miller. 
Main  guard  to  consist  of  six  captains,  twelve  subalterns,  twenty-four 
sergeants,  three  hundred  and  thirty*  rank  and  file  ; and  that  the  afore- 
said guards  be  provided  this  morning  at  nine  o’clock,  and  relieve  the 
present  guards. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Guager. 

After  Orders.  — That  one  captain,  two  subalterns,  and  forty 
privates,  be  detached,  and  repair  to  the  farthest  guard  in  Charlestown 
Road,  and  then  and  there  await  the  orders  and  directions  of  Mr  Rich- 
ard Devons,  one  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  . . . the  guards  to  be 
posted  as  follows  : — 

Two  companies  in  Charlestown  Road,  with  advanced  guards  on  the 
heights  of  land. 

One  guard  towards  Phips’  Farm. 

One  at  the  bridge,  one  towards  Menotomy,  one  at  Winter  Hill,  con- 
sisting of  one  subaltern,  two  sergeants,  and  twenty  rank  and  file. 

That  the  sergeant  and  file  of  men  who  have  the  care  of  the  prisoner 
named  Divol  convey  him  to  Cambridge  jail,  and  that  the  jail-keeper 
commit  him  to  safe  custody,  and  provide  for  his  subsistence,  and  then 
that  the  said  sergeant  and  file  of  men  return  to  their  duty. 

That  a court  of  inquiry  be  ordered  by  General  Thomas  to  examine 
the  prisoner  named  Brindley,  and  all  others  that  may  be  afterwards 
taken,  and  discharge  or  confine  them  in  such  places  as  he  shall  judge 
suitable. 

That  the  sergeant  and  file  of  men  who  have  the  care  of  Brindley 
safely  guard  him  back  to  head-quarters  in  Roxbury. 

That  Captain  Fox,  with  a party  of  twenty  men,  take  prisoners  Lieu- 
tenant Hamilton  and  his  servant,  and  commit  them  to  the  place  [the 
selectmen]  have  provided  for  them,  and  see  that  they  have  such  things 
as  are  suitable  for  their  comfortable  subsistence.* 

That  the  commanding  officers  of  the  main  guard  dismiss  James 


* The  words  between  the  brackets  are  supplied  from  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book. 
— Eds. 


3 


18 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Holden,  under  their  care,  and  send  him,  with  a sergeant  and  file  of 
men,  without  the guards.* 

That  each  guard  keep  a vigilant  lookout,  and,  if  any  movements 
made  by  the  enemy,  or  if  any  discovery  is  made,  to  give  immediate 
intelligence  to  the  next  guard,  and  so  from  guard  to  guard,  till  it 
reaches  the  picket  guard,  who  are  to  give  immediate  notice  to  the  Gen- 
eral, and  parade  the  men. 

That  this  order  be  handed  to  the  succeeding  guard,  and  so  on,  till 
further  orders. 

That  the  officer  of  the  main  guard  and  officer  of  the  picket  be  imme- 
diately furnished  with  these  orders. 

April  26 th. 

Parole,  “ Hancock.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Doolittle. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket,  Lieut. -Colonel  Holden,  Major  Bigelow. 

Field-officers  of  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brickett,  Major  Dens- 
more. 

That  two  companies  be  detached  from  the  picket,  and  posted  as 
follows;  viz.,  one  at  Mrs.  Inman’s,  and  one  in  Charlestown  Road. 

That  the  reveille  be  beat  every  morning  at  four  o’clock. 

That,  at  the  beating  of  the  troop,  the  officers  and  privates  be  imme- 
diately assembled  to  parade. 

That  the  tattoo  be  beat  every  evening  at  nine  o’clock. 

That,  after  the  beating  the  tattoo,  there  be  a profound  silence 
through  the  camp. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Southgate. 

That  the  officers  of  the  main  guard  order  that  a sentry  be  appointed 
out  of  the  guard  that  is  posted  at  the  house  of  Captain  Stedman,  to  be 
placed  at  the  office  of  Mr.  Pigion,  commissary-general. 

That  the  several  regiments  now  at  Watertown  and  Waltham  march 
forward  to  Cambridge  and  Roxbury,  their  route  to  be  directed  by 
Colonel  Porter. 

That  the  commanding  officer  of  the  main  guard  post  a sentry  be- 
tween the  apparatus  and  library. 

April  21th. 

Parole,  “ Barre.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Gerrish. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket,  Colonel  Ward,  Major  Butterick. 

Field-officers  of  main  guard,  Colonel  Robertson,  Major  Reed. 

Adjutant  of  the  day  from  Colonel  Porter’s  regiment, Warner. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.  — That  as  many  men  as  are  not  enlisted,  and 
incline  to  remain  in  the  army,  enlist  immediately,  in  order  that  it  may 
be  ascertained  what  number  it  may  still  be  necessary  to  be  raised  in 
each  town  to  complete  the  complement  of  troops  for  this  Province,  and 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  has  “ without  the  camp.”  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


19 


to  forwai’d  to  each  town  their  remaining  quota ; and  the  men  that  now 
enlist  may  be  assured  that  they  shall  have  liberty  to  be  under  the  com- 
mand of  such  officers  as  may  be  appointed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
until  the  particular  regiments  and  companies  are  completed ; and  the 
utmost  care  will  he  taken  to  make  every  soldier  happy  in  being  under 
good  officers. 

That  the  field-officers  take  care  that  one-fifth  part  of  the  training 
soldiers  of  each  town  from  whence  these  companies  came  be  immedi- 
ately enlisted  out  of  the  troops  assembled  in  camp ; and,  if  a sufficient 
number  cannot  be  enlisted  agreeable  to  an  equal  quota,  that,  in  such 
case,  the  deficiency  of  such  quota  be  immediately  forwarded  by  a re- 
cruiting officer  to  each  town,  and,  in  the  mean  time,  a sufficient  num- 
ber of  troops  present  be  retained  until  the  quota  of  the  troops  for  this 
Province  be  raised. 

Parole,  “ Wilks.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Wm  Prescot  for  to-morrow. 

Field-officers  of  the  main  guard,  Colonel  Wilder,  Major  Brooks. 

Field-officers  of  picket  guard,  Colonel  Witney,  Major  Baldwin. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  Herd. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

That  the  head  colonel  and  commanders  of  detachments  in  this  en- 
campment appear  at  head-quarters  at  three  o’clock  afternoon,  to  sit  in 
council. 

That  no  field-officer  presume  to  give  a pass  to  any  person  that  come 
down  for  the  defence  of  their  liberties,  without  first  having  obtained 
leave  from  the  General. 

April  28 th. 

Parole,  “New  York.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Bridge,  for  to-morrow. 

Officers  of  main  guard,  Colonel  Woodbridge,  Major  Sawyer. 

Field-officers  of  picket  guard,  Colonel  Parker,  Major  Moore. 

Adjutant  of  the  day  out  of  Colonel  Bridge’s  regiment, Fox. 

Guards  as  usual. 


April  29 th. 

Parole,  “ Hampshire.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  William  Henshaw. 

Field-officers  of  main  guard,  Colonel  Peirce,  Major  Rand. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket  guard,  Colonel  Joseph  Henshaw,  Major 
Wood. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Dickinson. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.  — That  Captain  Eleazer  Hamden*  take  into  his 
custody  the  five  prisoners  from  Scituate,  and  see  that  the  above  report 
of  the  Court  of  Inquiry  to  examine  said  prisoners  be  punctually  com- 
plied with  in  every  respect. 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  has  “ Hamlin,”  which  is  the  correct  spelling. — Eds. 


20 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


That  no  person  whatever  presume  to  fire  a gun  without  orders. 

That  all  officers  are  to  observe  how  duty  is  done,  and  reprimand 
those  that  are  negligent,  or  report  them  to  the  proper  officers,  although 
they  may  not  belong  to  the  same  corps. 

That  all  officers  see  that  the  foregoing  orders  be  punctually  com- 
plied with. 

April  30 th. 

Parole,  “ Connecticut.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Porter. 

Officers  of  the  main  guard,  Colonel  Laggatt,  Major  Tracy. 

Officers  of  the  picket  guard,  Lieut. -Colonel  Clark,  Major  Carter. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

General  Orders. — One  captain,  two  subalterns,  four  sergeants, 
four  corporals,  and  fifty  rank  and  file,  be  paraded  to-morrow  morning, 
and  be  ready  to  march  so  as  to  be  at  Charlestown  Neck  by  nine  o’clock 
in  the  morning,  to  assist  in  launching  several  boats,  and  then  to  return 
to  camp ; said  detachment  to  receive  the  directions  of  Mr.  Richard 
Devons. 

That  no  person  presume  to  charge  his  piece  upon  surprise,  or  on  the 
quarter  guards,  with  cartridges,  but  only  powder  and  a running  ball,*  so 
that  it  may  [be]  drawn  if  occasion  requires. 

If  any  guards  or  regiments  hear  firing  of  arms  near  them,  they  are 
to  send  out  immediately  to  know  the  persons  and  the  cause  of  it ; and, 
if  soldiers  without  leave,  they  are  to  be  made  prisoners,  and  a report 
sent  to  the  commanding  officer. 

That  the  commanding  officers  of  the  several  regiments  and  detach- 
ments do  require  of  their  captains  or  commanders  of  companies  an 
exact  return  of  the  number  of  men  in  each  company  now  in  camp,  and 
how  many  of  the  abovesaid  men  in  each  company  are  enlisted  for  the 
campaign,  and  how  many  of  the  enlisted  are  gone  home. 

May  IsL 

Parole,  “ Camden.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Patterson. 

Officers  of  the  main  guard,  Colonel  Williams,  Major  Wells. 

Officers  of  the  picket  guard,  Colonel  Eagar,  Major  Cordes. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Guager. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

-May  2 d. 

Parole,  “ Andover.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Ward. 

Field-officers  of  main  guard,  Colonel  Powell,  Major  Maxwell. 

Field-officers  of  picket  guard,  Colonel  Holden,  Major  Tupper. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  ■ — ■ — - — Woodbridge. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 


* In  Eenno’s  Orderly  Book  it  is  called  a “ rolling  ball.”  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


21 


General  Orders.  — That  the  quartermaster  of  each  regiment  see 
that  vaults  be  immediately  dug  in  some  by-place  for  the  use  of  the 
regiments  ; that  the  parade  and  camp  be  cleaned  away  every  day,  and 
all  the  tilth  buried. 

That  the  colleges  in  particular,  and  the  parade  around  them,  be  kept 
clean  ; and  that  four  privates  from  each  regiment  do  attend  the  order 
and  direction  of  the  quartermaster  for  the  abovesaid  purpose. 

That  Major  Me  Clary,  with  the  regiment  under  his  command,  repair 
to  Medford,  and  join  the  forces  there,  and  keep  a vigilant  guard  as  far 
down  the  river  as  Winter  Hill,  till  further  orders. 

That  the  order  of  the  30th  April  be  punctually  complied  with  every 
day ; viz.,  that  the  commanding  officer,  &c. 

That  the  Adjutant-General  furnish  the  officers  of  the  picket  guard 
with  a list  of  the  names  of  the  picket  every  day  at  the  time  of  mount- 
ing the  picket. 

That  the  commanding  officer  of  the  main  guard  set  a sentry  over  the 
pump  before  the  guard-house,  and  take  particular  care  that  no  person 
put  any  thing  into  said  pump. 

May  3d. 

General  Orders.  — That  four  captains,  eight  subalterns,  sixteen 
sergeants,  two  hundred  privates,  be  drafted,  to  go  upon  fatigue.  Colonel 
Doolittle  command  the  detachment ; and  that  he  apply  to  the  Commis- 
sary-General for  necessary  tools,  and  return  the  tools  at  night  to  the 
Commissary-General. 

The  officers  will  be  under  Mr.  Chadwick,  the  engineer. 

That  every  regiment  and  detachment  parade  at  ten  o’clock  in  the 
morning  and  at  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Parole,  “ Langdon.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Joseph  Henshaw. 

Field  officers  of  the  main  guard,  Colonel  W™  Henshaw,  Major 
Bigelow. 

Field  officer  of  picket  guard,  Colonel  Parker,  Major  Moor. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  [as]  usual. 

That  Samuel  Chandler,  captain  of  the  teamsters,  be  freed  from  all 
other  duty  with  the  people  of  the  teams  whilst  they  are  employed  with 
their  teams,  by  order  of  the  Quartermaster-General. 

, That  eight  captains,  sixteen  subalterns,  thirty-two  sergeants,  four 
hundred  privates,  be  drafted,  to  go  upon  fatigue.  Colonel  Fry  to  com- 
mand the  detachment ; and  that  he  apply  to  the  Commissary-General  for 
necessary  tools,  and  return  them  at  night  to  the  Commissary-General. 

The  officer  to  receive  directions  of  Mr.  Chadwick,  the  engineer. 

That  Lieutenants  Farnum,  Johnson,  and  Walker,  adjutants  Febiger, 
Warner,  and  Fox,  escort  the  corpse  of  Lieutenant  Hull  to  Charlestown.* 

That  no  field-officer  presume  to  give  a pass  to  any  person  to  go  out 
of  camp  that  came  down  in  defence  of  his  liberties  before  that  person 
shall  have  presented  to  the  field-officer  a person  not  belonging  to  camp, 

* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  has,  “ the  corpse  of  Lieut.  Hull  of  43d  regiment  of 
the  Regulars.”  — Eds. 


22 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


and  out  of  the  same  town  to  which  the  person  that  makes  application 
belongs,  who  is  to  tarry  in  camp  till  the  person  who  has  leave  returns. 

May  4 th. 

Parole,  “ Chatham.” 

Officer  of  the  clay,  Colonel  Doolittle. 

Field-officers  of  main  guard,  Colonel  Witney,  Major  Rand. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket  guard,  Lieut. -Colonel  Holden,  Major 
Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.- — -That  no  rum  be  delivered  to  any  but  such  as 
bring  orders  from  the  General.  Three  days’  provision  be  delivered  out 
at  a time,  and  two  days  at  a time,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  army. 

For  fatigue,  Colonel  Porter. 

May  5lh. 

Parole,  “York.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Peirce. 

Field-officers  of  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Nixon,  Major  But- 
ter ick. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Clark,  Major 
Fraiser. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.  — That  Colonel  Wyman  take  particular  care  of 
his  men,  that  no  outrage  be  committed  on  the  person  or  property  of  any 
one  individual  whatever,  and  use  his  utmost  endeavors  to  reduce  his 
men  to  good  order,  as  there  have  been  repeated  complaints  from  the 
houses  of  Mr.  Temple  of  very  disorderly  conduct. 

May  6 th. 

Parole,  “ Portsmouth.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  James  Prescott. 

Main  guard  field-officers,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brickett,  Major  Reed. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robinson,  Major  Shep- 
pard. 

For  fatigue,  Colonel  Whiting. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.  — That  no  person  who  may  have  received  en- 
listing orders,  and,  in  consequence  thereof,  has  enlisted  men,  presume 
to  dismiss  any  person  who  is  enlisted,  upon  any  consideration  whatever, 
nor  presume  to  re-enlist  any  person  that  is  already  enlisted,  without 
special  orders  from  the  General. 

That  the  commanding  officer  of  the  guard  at  Charlestown  permit  no 
person  to  go  into  Charlestown  with  auy  provision  whatever,  with  or 
without  a pass.  This  order  to  be  given  to  the  next  officer  who  relieves 
the  guard,  and  so  continue,  till  further  orders. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


23 


May  7 th. 

[Parole,  “ Liberty.”]  * 

That  all  officers  of  the  guard  pay  obedience  to  orders  signed  by  the 
President  of  the  Congress  to  the  members  of  the  same,  which  are  to  be 
in  the  following  form  ; viz..  To  the  guards  of  the  Colony  Army  : — - 

Pursuant  to  a resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  you  are  hereby 

ordered  to  permit . a member  of  this  Congress,  with  his 

company,  to  pass  and  repass  with  his  company  at  all  times. 

May  8th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Worcester.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gerrish. 

Field-officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Parker,  Major 
Bigilow. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Joseph  Henshaw, 
Major  Brooks. 

Officer  for  fatigue,  Lieut.-Colonel  Holden. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.  — That  no  person  presume  to  sell  any  spirituous 
liquor  in  the  camp,  but  such  as  have  been  heretofore  licensed  for  that 
purpose.  That  all  persons  immediately  break  off  this  iniquitous  prac- 
tice, which  has  a tendency  to  destroy  the  peace  and  good  order  of  the 
camp ; but,  if  there  be  any  such  persons  who  will  not  pay  due  obedi- 
ence to  this  order,  their  spirituous  liquors  are  to  be  stoven  or  seized 
and  given  in  to  the  Commissary-General  for  the  use  of  the  army,  said 
Commissary-General  to  be  accountable  to  the  Province  therefor. 

That  Captain  Stedman,  Mr.  Bradish,  and  others  that  are  licensed  to 
sell  spirituous  liquors,  for  the  future  retail  no  more  to  any  belonging 
to  the  army  or  camp  in  Cambridge,  except  they  have  a written  order 
from  their  respective  captains,  or,  in  their  absence,  the  next  command- 
ing officer  therefor,  uutil  further  orders. 


That,  in  future,  provisions  be  delivered  in 

the  following  manner:  — 

Colonel  Wm-  Prescott’s  Regiment  . 

at  5 

o’clock. 

General  Ward’s  Regiment  . . . 

f after  5 

V 

Colonel  Doolittle’s 

-!,  after  6 

99 

j?  Frye’s 

| after  7 

„ Gerrish’s 

at  8 

General  Whetcomb’s 

f after  8 

Colonel  Peirce’s 

£ after  9 

V 

„ Green’s 

| after  10 

General  Pomroy’s 

at  11 

Colonel  Paterson’s 

|-  after  11 

„ Woodbridge’s  .... 

at  3 

„ Gardiner’s 

§ after  3 

99 

„ Bridge’s 

4 after  4 

99 

* Supplied  from  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book.  — Eds. 


24 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


May  9 th. 

Parole,  “ Shreaysbtxry  ” ; countersign,  “ Liberty.”  * 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Whiting. 

Field-officers  for  picket  to-night,  Colonel  Woodbridge,  Major  But- 
terick 

Field-officers  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Porter,  Major 
Miller. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Colonel  Doolittle,  to-morrow. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders. — That  the  Quartermaster-General  take  from  the 
Commissary-General  sixty  tents  for  the  use  of  Colonel  Pomroy’s  regi- 
ment, the  commanding  officer  of  said  regiment  to  give  his  receipts  to 
the  Commissary-General  for  said  tents.  That  the  said  Quartermaster- 
General  furnish  them  with  straw  sufficient  for  encamping. 

That  the  Quartermaster-General  take  from  the  Commissary-General 
twenty-five  tents  for  the  use  of  Colonel  Whetcomb’s  regiment,  the 
commanding  officer  of  said  regiment  to  give  his  receipt  to  the  Com- 
missary-General for  said  tents.  That  said  Quartermaster-General  fur- 
nish them  with  straw  sufficient  for  encamping. 

That  William  Cutter  be  empowered  to  impress  such  and  so  many 
persons  as  he  may  judge  necessary  to  assist  him  in  collecting  the 
effects  that  were  taken  from  the  regular  troops  that  wei'e  in  the  late 
skirmish,  and  bring  them  to  head-quarters.  Such  effects  to  consist 
only  [of  such]  f as  were  in  the  wagons,  and  with  the  party  that 
escorted  the  wagons,  together  with  all  the  horses  and  wagons. 

That,  after  the  11th  instant,  the  Commissary-General  supply  no 
regiment  with  their  allowance  of  provisions  till  the  Adjutant,  or  some 
other  suitable  person  belonging  thereto,  has  presented  him  with  the 
number  and  names  of  the  persons  belonging  thereto,  signed  by  the 
commanding  officer  of  each  company  belonging  thereto.  Such  orderly 
sergeant  to  take  a list  of  his  own  company. 

May  10  th. 

Parole,  “ Leicester  ” ; countersign,  “ Order.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brickett. 

Field-officers  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Lieut.-Colonel  Clark, 
Major  Stacy. 

Field-officers  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Paterson,  Major 
Woods. 

Field-officer  for  the  fatigue,  Lieut.-Colonel  Powell. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 


* In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  the  countersign  is  “Freedom.”  — Eds. 
t Supplied  from  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


25 


May  11  th. 

Parole,  “ Lancaster  ” ; countersign,  “ Peace.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Wm  Prescott. 

Field-officers  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Colonel  Green,  Major 
Baldwin. 

Field-officers  of  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Henshaw,  Major  Bigilow. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Lieut.-Colonel  Parker. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Woodbridge. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 


May  1 2th. 

Parole,  “ Bolton  ” ; countersign,  “ Harvard.” 

Field-officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Ward. 

Field-officers  of  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Colonel  Doolittle,  Major 
Butterick. 

Field-officers  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Wm  Henshaw, 
Major  Brooks. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Colonel  Gerisk. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Montague. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

May  13  th. 

Parole,  “ Brookfield  ” ; countersign,  “ Dudley.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Patterson. 

Field-officers  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brickett, 
Major  Stacy. 

Field-officers  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Clark,  Major 
W oods. 

For  fatigue,  Lieut.-Colonel  Holden. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.  — That  Captain  Isaac  Foster  be  permitted  to 
carry  provisions  into  Charlestown  for  the  benefit  of  such  persons  only 
who  have  moved  out  of  Boston  and  are  going  into  the  country,  and 
our  friends  in  said  town. 

That  no  person  excepting  the  said  Isaac  Foster  be  permitted  to  pass 
the  guard  with  provisions,  till  further  order. 

May  14th. 

Parole,  “ Hardwick  ” ; countersign,  “ Petersham.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Woodbridge. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robertson. 

Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Major  Baldwin. 

For  fatigue,  Lieut.-Colonel  Holden  for  to-morrow  instead  of  to-day. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 


4 


26 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Ocr. 


May  1 5th. 

Parole,  “ Billerica  ” ; countersign,  “ Chelmsford.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colouel  .Joseph  Heushaw. 
Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Major  Bigilow. 
Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Wm  Prescott. 
Officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  Colonel  Porter. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

May  1 6th. 

Parole,  “ Northampton”  ; countersign,  “ Hadley.”* 
Field-officer  for  picket  guard  to-night,  Colonel  Ward. 

Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Doolittle. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Colonel  Peirce  for  to-morrow. 

Adjutant  for  the  day,  . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

May  17  th. 

Parole,  “ Ticonderoga”  ; countersign,  “ Crown  Point.” 
Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Parker. 

Field-officer  for  picket  guard  to-night,  Colonel  Clark. 

Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Major  Moore. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colouel  Patterson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

May  18  th. 

Parole,  “ Easton  ” ; countersign,  “ Arnold.”  f 
Officer  of  the  day,  Lieut.-Colouel  Robertson,  for  to-morrow. 
Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Colonel  Woodbridge. 
Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colouel  Holden. 
For  fatigue,  Major  Baldwin. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

May  19  th. 

Parole,  “ Eti-ian  ” ; countersign  [“  Allen  ”]4 
Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Wm  Henshaw. 
Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Colonel  Bond. 
Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Colonel  Witney. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Colonel  Scammons. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 


* In  Eenno’s  Orderly  Book  “ Hadley  ” is  given  as  the  parole,  and  “North- 
ampton ” as  the  countersign.  — Eds. 

t In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  “Arnold”  is  given  as  the  parole,  and  “Easton” 
as  the  countersign.  — Eds. 

f Supplied  from  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


27 


General  Orders.  — That  Colonel  Wm  Henshaw  be  discharged 
from  any  further  service  in  camp,  and  have  leave  to  return  home ; the 
Colonel  having  requested  of  the  General  this  liberty. 

May  20th. 

Parole,  “ Athol”  ; countersign,  “ Warwick.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Doolittle. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Lieut.-Colonel  Bond. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Nixon. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Colonel  Ward. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, . 

Otherwise  as  usual. 

General  Orders.  — That  no  person  presume  to  fire  upon  the 
armed  schooner*  in  the  river,  from  Lechmore’s  Point. 

That  the  sentry  placed  at  the  bridge  permit  no  person  to  pass  on  to 
Lechmore’s  Point,  without  an  express  order  from  head-quarters,  till 
further  orders. 

May  21st. 

Parole,  “ Groton”  ; countersign,  “ Pepperell.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Joseph  Henshaw. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Major  Bigilow. 

Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  for  fatigue. . 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  . 

May  22 d. 

Parole,  “ Shrewsbury  ” ; countersign,  “ Worcester.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Lieut.-Colonel  Clark,  for  to-morrow. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Major  Bigilow. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Paterson. 

Officer  for  fatigue.  Major  Moore. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

May  23  d. 

General  Orders.  — That  the  officers  of  the  train  of  artillery  may 
enlist  persons  from  any  regiment  in  camp,  in  order  to  complete  the 
train  as  soon  as  possible ; and  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment 
and  company  is  ordered  to  permit  four  men,  and  no  more,  from  each 
company  to  enlist  voluntarily  into  the  train,  — the  commissions,  by  a 
resolve  of  Congress,  to  be  made  out  to  the  several  captains  of  com- 
panies, notwithstanding  the  four  men  enlisted  out  of  their  respective 
companies  ; but  the  companies  are  to  be  filled  up  as  soon  as  possible, 
afterwards. 

Parole,  “ Marlborough  ” ; countersign,  “Northborough.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gardiner. 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  lias  “ sloop  ” instead  of  “ schooner.”  — Eds. 


28 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Baldwin. 

Officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Witney. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Major  Cady. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Hunt. 

May  24  tli. 

Parole,  “ Sudbury”  ; countersign,  “ Framingham.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gerrish. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Wood. 

Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Holden. 

Officer  for  fatigue,  Lieut.-Colonel  Clark,  for  to-morrow. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Febiger. 

May  2 5th. 

Parole,  “ Mendon  ” ; countersign,  “ Upton.” 

Officer  of  the  day.  Colonel  Mansfeild. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Sawyer. 

Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robinson. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Major  Bigilow. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  Putnam. 

May  2 6th. 

Parole,  “ Concord  ” ; countersign,  “ Stow.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Woodbridge. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Jackson. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Clark. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Colonel  Cady. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Montague. 

May  27th. 

Parole,  “ Medford  ” ; countersign,  “ Chelsea.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Patterson. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Brooks. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Bond. 
Field-officer  for  the  fatigue,  Colonel  Ward. 

Adjutant  for  the  day,  Warner. 

May  28 tli. 

Parole,  “ Malden  ” ; countersign,  “ Deliverance.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Wm  Prescott. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to  night,  Major  Stacy. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Hutch- 
inson. 

Field-officer  for  the  fatigue,  Major  Putnam. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


29 


May  28tk. 

General  Orders.  — That  Colonel  Doolittle  march  with  four 
hundred  men  to  Chelsea,  and  relieve  Colonel  Nixon  and  his  party, 
with  the  other  troops  that  went  from  this  camp  ; and  he  is  to  conduct 
in  such  manner  as  he  may  judge  will  most  contribute  to  the  general 
safety.  If  the  cannon  which  are  in  the  schooner  which  was  taken 
yesterday  can  be  secured  without  too  much  exposing  the  troops,  he 
may  bring  them  off;  or  othenvays  conduct,  as  his  best  judgment  shall 
direct.  * 

May  29th. 

Parole,  “ Boston  ” ; countersign,  “ Roxbury.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gardiner. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Major  Buttrick. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Robertson. 

For  fatigue,  Major  Wood. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hunt. 

General  Orders. — That  the  party  for  fatigue  be  paraded  in  the 
morning,  so  as  to  attend  prayers,  and,  as  soon  as  prayers  are  ended,  to 
march  directly  to  the  place  of  fatigue,  and  work  until  eleven  o’clock  ; 
then  return,  and  rest  till  two  o’clock,  and  work  from  that  time  till  six 
o’clock. 

May  30th. 

General  Orders.  — That  Major  Alden  deliver  the  brass  field- 
piece  in  his  possession  to  Mr.  Dimon  Morton,  of  the  train  of  artillery, 
for  the  use  of  the  army. 

Parole,  “ Dedham  ” ; countersign,  “ Medfield.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Major  Jackson. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Reed. 

Officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  Major  Sawyer. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

May  31sf. 

Parole,  “ Salem”  ; countersign,  “ Danvers.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  Colonel  Scammons. 

Field-officer  of  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Major  Brooks. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Holden. 

Officer  for  fatigue,  Major  Baldwin. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Masden. 

General  Orders. — That  the  stock  which  was  taken  from  Nod- 
dle’s Island,  belonging  to  Mr.  Henry  Howell  Williams,  be  delivered 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  has,  “the  remains  of  the  schooner  which  was  burnt 
on  Winnisimmitt  Ferry.”  — Eds. 


30 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


to  his  father,  Colonel  Joseph  Williams,  of  Roxbury,  for  the  use  of 
said  Henry  H.  Williams. 

June  1 st. 

Parole,  “Ipswich”;  countersign,  “Newbury.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  Colonel  Nixen,  for  to-morrow. 

Field-officer  of  the  picket  guard  to-night,  Major  Woods. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Hutchinson. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robertson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Nixon. 

General  Orders.  — That  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regi- 

. , © 

ment,  detachment,  or  company,  daily  visit  Ins  soldiers,  whether  in 
barracks  or  tents,  and  oblige  them  to  keep  thems-elves  clean.  The 
officers  who  do  not  strictly  adhere  to  this  order  are  to  be  reported  to 
head-quarters,  and  the  soldiers  that  disobey  the  officers’  orders  in  this 
respect  are  to  be  confined  at  the  main  guard  until  they  shall  receive 
some  punishment  adequate  to  a crime  so  heinous.  That  the  officers 
oblige  them  to  keep  the  parade  clean,  and  bury  the  filth. 

June  2 d. 

Parole,  “Newbury”;  countersign,  “ Port.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gerrish. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Wood. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Moulton. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Lieut.-Colonel  Parker. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Febiger. 

General  Orders.  — That  all  such  persons  who  have  horses  in 
camp  that  were  taken  from  Hog  Island  and  Noddle’s  Island  return 
them  immediately  to  head-quarters,  excepting  such  horses  as  the  own- 
ers have  had  general  orders  to  take. 

June  od. 

Parole,  “Marblehead”;  countersign,  “ Lynn.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Mansfeild. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Stacy. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Bond. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow, . 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

General  Orders.  — That  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regi- 
ment, company,  or  detachment,  oblige  all  that  are  off  of  duty,  under 
his  command,  to  be  paraded  at  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  be 
ready  to  attend  the  whipping  of  two  persons  for  stealing,  at  five  o’clock, 
P.M. 

1 

June  4th. 

Parole,  “Beverly”;  countersign,  “ Rowley.” 

Field-officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Woodbridge. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Butterick. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


31 


Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Clark. 

For  fatigue  to-morrow,  Mezin  Putnam. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Montague. 

June  5th. 

Parole,  “Salisbury”;  countersign,  “ Haverhill.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  Colonel  Patterson. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Poor. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Whitney. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Major  Jackson. 

Adjutant  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Patterson. 

June  6 th. 

Parole,  “ Gloucester  ” ; countersign,  “ Topsfield.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Wm  Prescott. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Putnam. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Stowers. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robinson. 
Adjutant  of  the  day,  Colonel  Prescott. 

June  7th. 

Parole,  “ Springfield  ” ; countersign,  “ ^Northampton.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gardiner. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Durkee. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Hiltcli- 
inson. 

Field-officer  for  fatigue  for  to-morrow,  Major  Baldwin. 

Adjutant  of  the  day  for  to-morrow, Hunt. 


June  8th. 

Parole,  “ Shelburne  ” ; countersign,  “ Conway.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Scammons. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Brooks. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Moulton. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow.  Major  Stacy. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Masden. 

June  9 th. 


Parole,  “ Sunderland  ” ; countersign,  “ Montague.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Xixen. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Woods. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Bond. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue,  Major  Wood. 

Adjutant  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  [from]  Colonel  Xixen’s  regi- 
ment. 

June  1 0 th. 

Parole,  “ Northfield  ” ; countersign,  “ Brimfield.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gerrish. 


32 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night.  Major  Butterick. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brickett. 
Adjutant  of  the  day, Febiger. 

General  Orders.  — That  the  commanding  officer  of  the  picket 
guard  be  particularly  careful  that  no  damage  be  done  to  the  meeting- 
house, as  he  must  be  accountable  for  it  himself.  This  order  to  be 
handed  to  the  next  officer  that  relieves,  and  so  on.  The  meeting-house 
and  parade  round  it  to  be  kept  clean. 

June  11th. 

Parole,  “ Glyn  ” ; countersign,  “ Wilks.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Mansfeild. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Putnam. 

Field-officer  for  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Clark. 
Field-officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Putnam. 

June  12th. 

Parole,  “York”;  countersign,  “ Kittery.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Woodbridge. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Wood. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Parker. 

Officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow, . 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Montague. 

June  13th. 

Parole,  “ Woburn  ” ; countersign,  “ Concord.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Wm  Prescott. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Stacy. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robinson. 

Officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  . 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Ilardy. 

Head-quarters,  June  13,  1775. 

General  Orders.  — That  a general  court-martial  be  held  this 
day,  at  nine  o’clock,  at  the  school-house,  to  try  such  persons  as  shall 
be  brought  before  them. 

Colonel  Fry,  President. 

MEMBERS. 

Captains.  Lieutenants. 


Coit. 

Foster. 

Bancroft. 

Hide. 

Francis. 

Hunting. 

Newell. 

Kyes. 

Gleason. 

Goodnow. 

Butler. 

Porter. 

Joseph  Trumball,  Esq.,  Judge  Advocate. 


All  evidences  to  attend. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


33 


June  14  th. 

Parole,  “Wells  ” ; countersign,  “ Berwick.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gardener. 

Field-officer  of  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Jackson. 

Field-officer  of  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Storrs. 

Officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow, . 

Adjutant  for  the  day,  to-morrow. Hunt. 

Head-quarters,  June  1 •1th. 

General  Orders.  — That  each  colonel  of  a regimeni  take  and 
keep  a list  of  his  men,  their  names,  when  enlisted,  place  of  residence, 
age,  stature,  and  complexion,  and  order  the  roll  to  be  called  every 
morning  and  evening.  All  officers  see  that  all  tumults  and  disorders 
in  camp  be  suppressed,  that  all  soldiers  repair  to  their  barracks  and 
tents  immediately  after  beating  the  tattoo,  on  penalty  of  being  con- 
fined ; and  that  there  be  no  noise  in  the  camp  after  nine  o’clock  at 
night.  That  the  field-officers  of  the  day  take  special  care  to  suppress 
all  grog-shops  ; and,  if  the  owners  of  them  continue  to  sell  liquors  to 
the  soldiers,  he  is  ordered  to  stave  all  their  liquors.  All  officers  see 
that  their  men  attend  upon  prayers  morning  and  evening,  and  also  the 
service  on  Lord’s  day,  with  their  arms  and  accoutrements,  ready  to 
march  in  case  of  an  alarm.  That  no  drum  beat  after  the  chaplain  is 
on  the  stage,  and  the  men  immediately  attend.  The  commanding 
officer  of  each  regiment  see  that  the  arms  and  ammunition  be  viewed 
daily,  and  that  none  be  wasted,  and  that  every  regiment  keep  a quarter 
guard.  That  the  arms  and  ammunition  of  the  picket  guard  be  ex- 
amined by  the  commanding  officer  of  the  picket  before  they  go  upon 
duty. 

June  loth. 

Parole,  “ Taunton  ” ; countersign,  “ Rehoboth.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Scammons. 

Field-officer  of  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Durkee. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Nixon. 

Officer  for  fatigue  to-morrow,  — . 

Adjutant  for  the  day.  to-morrow, Marsden. 

General  Orders.  — That  the  commanding  officer  of  the  picket 
guard  never  leave  his  post  by  night  nor  by  day,  not  more  than  half  an 
hour  at  a time,  leaving  directions  with  the  next  commanding  officer 
where  to  find  him.  Not  more  than  ten  of  the  picket  be  allowed  to 
[be]  off  their  post  at  a time,  by  night  or  by  day.  That  the  second  in 
command  never  leave  his  post  when  the  first  is  absent.  These  orders 
to  be  delivered  to  the  next  commanding  officer,  and  so  on  from  time  to 
time. 

That  Samuel  Murray  be  removed  from  the  jail  in  Worcester,  to  his 
father’s  homestead  farm  in  Rutland,  the  limits  of  which  he  is  not  to 
pass  until  further  orders  ; and  all  persons  are  hereby  strictly  forbidden 
to  offer  any  violence  to  said  Murray  while  he  continues  in  the  peace 
of  God  within  these  limits. 


5 


34 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Ocx. 


June  16f/i. 

Parole,  “Lebanon”;  countersign,  “ Coventry.” 

Field-officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Nixon. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Butterick. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut. -Colonel 
Hutchinson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  to-morrow, . * 

Head-quarters , Cambridge,  June  lltlt,  1775. 

General  Orders.  — That  General  Thomas  immediately  send  the 
following  ordnance:  viz.,  one  18  and  one  24  pounder,  with  proper 
ordnance  stores,  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  and  proper  conductors  for 
the  same,  if  they  can  well  be  spared  from  Roxbury  camp. 

June  llth,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Deerfield  ” ; countersign,  “ Conway.” 

Field-officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gerrish. 

Field-officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Colonel  Wood. 

Field-officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Baldwin. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  to-morrow, Febiger.f 


* Chester’s  Orderly  Book  (Proceedings  of  Mass.  Hist.  Soe.,  June,  1875)  has 
Brooks  instead  of  Butterick,  and  names  Holden  as  “adjutant  of  the  day,  to- 
morrow.” Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  does  not  contain  the  names  of  the  field-officers 
and  adjutant;  but  it  adds  : “Frye’s,  Bridge’s,  and  Wm.  Prescott’s  regiments  to 
parade  this  evening,  at  six  o’clock,  with  all  the  entrenching  tools  in  this  en- 
campment.” — Eds. 

t In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book,  which  was  apparently  not  written  out  from  day 
to  day,  but  was  prepared  at  a later  date,  either  from  the  original  orders  or  from 
memoranda  taken  at  the  time,  the  following  account  of  the  battle  of  Bunker 
Hill  is  inserted,  between  the  17th  and  18th  of  June:  “The  three  regiments 
above-mentioned,  having  received  orders  about  ten  o’clock  of  the  evening  10th 
instant,  began  to  entrench  on  Breed’s  Hill,  directly  opposite  Cope’s  Hill  in 
Boston.  By  daylight  they  had  thrown  up  a small  fort  and  part  of  the  lines  of 
circumvallation.  About  four  o’clock  in  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  Lively, 
which  lay  in  Charlestown  Ferry,  having  put  a spring  on  her  cable,  began  to  fire 
on  our  people.  Some  time  after  they  fired  also  from  Cope’s  Hill,  where  was  a 
battery  of  seven  or  eight  battering  cannon.  As  the  tide  rose,  about  ten  o’clock, 
three  or  four  floating  batteries  began  to  play  on  the  above  entrenchment.  Be- 
tween twelve  and  two  o’clock  two  thousand  men  landed  on  a point  north-east  of 
the  entrenchment,  and  immediately  began  to  cannonade  the  same  ; so  that  at 
this  period  the  fire  of  three  ships,  three  batteries,  several  field-pieces,  the  battery 
on  Cope’s  Hill,  from  six  different  directions,  all  centred  on  the  above  incom- 
plete breastwork.  No  relief  or  reinforcement  having  arrived,  about  nine  hun- 
dred men  of  the  above  three  regiments  alone  maintained  the  ground  till  about 
three  o’clock,  when,  being  overpowered  by  numbers,  they  were  obliged  to 
retreat.  The  Provincials  lost  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  men  in  this  engage- 
ment, and  had  about  three  hundred  wounded.  From  a very  intelligent  regular 
who  was  in  the  above  engagement,  and  who  afterwards  deserted,  I had  a list  of 
the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  Regulars,  which  account  General  Gage  trans- 
mitted to  England,  and  was  as  follows  : — 

“Account  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  ministerial  army  in  the  engage- 
ment at  Charlestown,  June  17,  1775. 

Field-officers.  Captains.  Subalterns.  Sergeants.  Drummers.  Privates. 

4 9 13  15  1 191  killed. 

2 25  39  40  12  706  wounded. 

“ Total,  1057  killed  and  wounded.”  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


35 


Sunday , June  1 8th. 

Parole.  “ Malden  ” ; countersign,  “ Weston.” 

Field-officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Mansfeild. 

Field-officer  of  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Poor. 

Field-officer  of  the  main  guard  to-morrow  morning,  Lieut.-Colonel 
Bond. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  to-morrow, Putnam. 

June  19  th. 

General  Orders.  — That  Captain  David  Mason*  repair  to  the 
several  entrenchments,  to  direct,  inspect,  and  oversee  the  artillery  and 
military  stores  throughout  the  lines,  and  see  that  they  are  in  proper 
order. 

That  an  adjutant  furnish  a subaltern  and  twenty  men  without  arms 
to  attend  the  committee  of  Congress,  at  the  commissary’s  office,  and 
there  assist  in  loading  and  unloading  provisions,  and  in  other  labor. 

Parole,  “ Scarborough  ” ; countersign,  “ Brunswick.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Woodbridge. 

Officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Stacy. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brickett. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Montague. 

General  Orders.  — That  Colonel  Ward  and  Colonel  Whitcomb 
furnish  one  company  between  both  their  regiments  to  be  taken  from 
No.  2,  and  send  them  to  Mrs.  Inman’s,  to  be  relieved  by  said  regiments 
from  day  to  day  till  further  orders  ; also  furnish  Captain  Homans  with 
a sergeant  and  fifteen  privates  every  evening. 

June  20th. 

General  Orders.  — That  Sergeant  Green  and  John  Rotch  take 
the  command  of  the  guard  at  the  small-pox  hospital,  near  Fresh  Pond, 
and  keep  a sentry  at  the  gate,  who  is  to  permit  no  person  to  go  in  or 
out,  except  the  doctor, and  such  as  the  doctor  shall  permit  to  pass;  and 
that  a very  strict  guard  be  constantly  kept  at  said  hospital. 

Parole,  “ Harpswell  ” ; countersign,  “ Windham.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Fry. 

Officer  of  the  picket  to-night, . 

Officer  of  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brown. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  to-morrow, Hardy. 

June  21  st. 

Parole,  “ Pomfret  ” ; countersign,  “ Bristol.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Wm  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  picket  to-night,  Major  Jackson. 

Officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Colonel  Baldwin. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Prescott. 


* In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  he  is  called  “Major  Mason”;  but  he  did  not 
receive  his  commission  as  major  until  June  21st.  See  Frothingham’s  “ History 
of  the  Siege  of  Boston,”  p.  184.  — Eds. 


36 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY’. 


[Oct. 


General  Orders.  — That  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regi- 
ment, detachment,  and  company  make  a complete  return  of  the  num- 
bers in  their  respective  regiments,  detachments,  and  companies  fit  for 
duty,  absent  on  furlough,  deserted,  sick,  killed,  and  wounded  in  the  late 
engagement,  and  missing  upon  account  thereof. 

That  each  colonel  appoint  a regimental  court-martial  to  try  prison- 
ers belonging  to  their  respective  regiments,  for  errors  that  are  not 
capital. 

That  one-half  of  Colonels  Brewer’s,  Nixon’s,  Scammous’s,  Little’s, 
Gerrish’s,  Gardiner’s,  Wood  bridge’s,  [and]  Mansfield's  regiments  be 
drafted  every  day  to  relieve  the  party  upon  Prospect  Hill ; the  said 
party  be  paraded  and  ready  to  march  by  seven  o’clock  in  the  morning, 
till  further  orders. 

June  22 d. 

Parole,  “ Langdon  ” ; countersign,  “ Appleton.” 

Officer  for  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Scammons. 

Officer  for  the  picket  to-night,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  for  the  main  guard  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Nixon. 

Adjutant  for  the  day,  to-morrow, Marsden. 

General  Orders.  — That  all  such  persons  as  may  have  in  their 
possession  guns,  packs,  clothing,  and  any  other  article  whatever  that 
fell  into  their  hands,  at  and  .since  the  time  of  the  engagement  upon 
Bunker’s  Hill,  the  owners  of  which  are  unknown,  immediately  return 
them  to  head-quarters. 

June  23 d. 

Parole,  “ Lyman  ” ; countersign,  “ Hopkins.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  picket  to-night,  [from]  Colonel  Glover’s  regiment. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard  to-morrow.  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

General  Orders.  — That  Colonels  Brewer,  Nixon,  Little,  Scam- 
mon,  Gerrish,  Gardiner,  Woodbridge,  [and]  Mansfeild’s  regiments 
encamp  on  or  near  Prospect  Hill ; the  officers  of  said  regiments  not  to 
desert  their  posts  upon  any  consideration  whatever,  and  use  their 
utmost  endeavors  to  prevent  the  soldiers  doing  the  same. 

June  24 th.  Head-quarters , Cambridge. 

Parole,  “ Troyvrridge  ” ; countersign,  “ Walter.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  of  the  picket  to-night,  Captain . 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Storrs. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  — Fox. 

General  orders  his  thanks  to  be  given  to  those  officers  and  soldiers 
wbo  behaved  so  very  gallantly  in  the  late  action  at  Charlestown. 
Such  bravery  gives  the  General  sensible  pleasure,  he  being  thereby 
fully  satisfied  that  we  shall  finally  come  off  victorious,  and  triumph 
over  the  enemies  of  freedom  and  America. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


37 


Sunday,  June  25th. 

Parole,  “ Halley”  ; countersign,  Freeman.” 

Officer  of  the  clay,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Fry. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Kobinson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

June  26 th. 

Parole,  “ Swansea”  ; countersign,  “ Dartmouth.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Johonnot. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Green. 

Head-quarters,  June  21th,  1775,  Cambridge. 

General  Orders. — That  a general  court-martial  be  held  this  day 
at  the  lines,  to  try  Captain  Callender,  of  the  train  of  artillery.  Evi- 
dences on  both  sides  be  duly  ordered  to  attend  said  court,  which  is  to 
sit  at  eight  o’clock,  a.m. 

Colonel  Little,  President. 


Captains. 

Captains. 

Crofts.  * 

Baker. 

Gerrish. 

Barnet. 

Hill. 

Cogswell. 

Perkins. 

Williams. 

Popkins. 

Noble. 

Tyler. 

Dodge. 

Captain  Mosely,  Judge  Advocate. 

June  21th. 

General  Orders. — That  the  commanding  officer  at  Prospect 
Hill  keep  a main  guard,  and  appoint  an  officer  for  the  day. 

The  field-officers  are  ordered  to  see  that  their  respective  regiments 
(so  many  of  them  as  are  off  of  duty)  be  paraded  daily  at  ten  o’clock 
in  the  morning,  and  at  four  o’clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  field- 
officers  are  enjoined  to  discipline  those  that  parade  two  hours  in  the 
forenoon  and  two  in  the  afternoon,  and  see  that  a list  of  their  names 
be  called  over  daily ; when  paraded  in  the  morning,  to  prevent 
their  strolling  about  in  the  fields  and  leaving  the  camp.  When 
paraded  in  the  afternoon,  the  field-officers  are  daily  to  view  the  arms 
of  their  respective  regiments,  and  see  what  number  of  rounds  each  man 
has,  to  prevent  their  waiting,  contrary  to  orders.  The  commanding 
officer  is  to  order  every  night,  visiting  rounds,  and  a patrol  sentry, 
whose  business  it  shall  be  to  see  that  the  sentries  are  all  alert  upon 
their  posts ; and  such  as  are  found  sleeping  or  sitting  upon  their  posts 
are  to  be  confined  for  trial.  The  field-officers  are  not  to  leave  their 
posts  upon  any  consideration,  without  leave  from  the  commanding 
officer. 


* In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  the  name  is  “ Craft,”  probably  Abner  Craft  of 
Colonel  Gardner’s  regiment.  (See  ante,  p.  6.)  Fenno  gives  “ Prescot  ” as  the 
parole,  and  “ Dana  ” as  the  countersign,  for  June  27th. — Eds. 


38 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


June  28 th. 

General  Orders.  —That  Lieut.-Colonel  Bond  occupy  one  room, 
in  the  south-east  corner  of  Colonel  Yassall’s  house,  upon  the  second 
floor,  for  the  sick  belonging  to  said  regiment,*  till  a convenient  place 
can  be  procured  elsewhere  for  the  above-said  purpose. 

Parole,  “ Worcester”;  countersign,  “ Brookfield.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Brickett. 

Officer  for  the  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Fox. 

General  Orders.  — That  Edward  Previor  assist  in  baking,  till 
further  orders. 

June  29 th. 

Parole,  “Washington”;  countersign,  “Virginia.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Gerry. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

General  Orders.  — That  the  regiments  in  this  encampment  par- 
ade to-morrow  morning  at  five  o’clock,  on  the  common,  where  the  pris- 
oners will  be  brought  from  the  main  guard,  and  the  sentence  of  the 
general  court-martial  will  be  put  in  execution  against  them. 

The  officers  commanding  companies  will  take  care  that  the  men  in 
their  respective  companies  turn  out  immediately  when  called  upon  for 
duty. 

The  adjutants  will  take  care  to  bring  the  men  upon  the  place  of 
parade  for  guards  and  other  duty,  precisely  by  the  time  prefixed  by  the 
Adjutant-General. 

June  30 th.  Head-quarters. 

General  Orders.  — That  all  profane  cursing  and  swearing,  all 
indecent  language  and  behavior,  will  not  be  tolerated  in  camps.  The 
General  expects  that  all  the  officers,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest 
rank,  set  a good  example  to  the  soldiers  in  this  respect. 

That  three  subalterns  be  appointed  daily  to  visit  the  colleges  at  nine 
o’clock  in  the  morning,  and  see  that  they  are  daily  swept  clean ; and 
that  the  officers  improving  dwelling-houses  take  care  that  those  soldiers 
who  are  quartered  in  the  same  see  that  they  are  daily  swept. 

That  the  field-officers  at  Cambridge,  Charlestown,  and  Medford  see 
that  the  adjutants  make  a list  of  the  names  of  all  the  officers  of  rank 
and  file  belonging  to  their  respective  regiments,  and  make  a return 
immediately  to  the  Adjutant-General. 

That  all  possible  care  be  taken  that  no  lewd  women  come  into  tlte 
camp ; and  all  persons  are  ordered  to  give  information  of  such  persons, 
if  any  there  be,  that  proper  measures  be  taken  to  bring  them  to  con- 
dign punishment,  and  rid  the  camp  of  all  such  nuisances. 

That  the  rules  and  regulations  for  the  American  army  be  read  at 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  lias,  “ belonging  to  Colonel  Gardner’s  regiment.” 
— Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


39 


the  head  of  the  respective  companies  by  the  captains,  or  such  other 
person  as  they  shall  appoint,  once  a week,  till  further  orders.  * 

June  30 th. 

Parole,  “ Pennsylvania  ” ; countersign,  “ Jamaica.” 

Officer  for  the  day.  to-morrow,  Colonel  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robinson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

July  Is/. 

Parole,  “ Bowdoin  ” ; countersign,  “ Dexter.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Johonnot. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  Fox. 

Camp  at  Cambridge,  July  1st. 

That  the  adjutants  of  the  respective  regiments  doing  duty  at  Cam- 
bridge, Charlestown,  and  Medford  make  a weekly  return  to  the 
Adjutant-General  at  head-quarters  of  the  number  of  officers,  and 
rank  and  file  fit  for  duty,  number  unfit,  where  stationed,  what  number 
on  duty  daily,  what  duty,  whether  in  camp,  out  on  furlough,  or  absent 
without  leave. 

That  the  drummers  in  this  encampment  attend  upon  Mr.  John 
Bassett,  drum-major,  at  seven  o’clock  to-morrow  morning,  and  receive 
their  orders  from  him  respecting  their  duty. 

July  2 d. 

Parole,  “ Pitts  ” ; countersign,  “ Bradbury.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Brickett. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant  for  the  day, Hardy. 

General  Orders.  — That  some  suitable  person  in  each  company 
in  the  several  regiments  be  directed  to  inspect  said  company  daily  ; 
that,  upon  finding  any  complaints  of  indisposition  among  the  men,  the 
surgeon  of  each  regiment  will  examine  thereinto,  and,  if  there  he  any 
symptoms  of  the  small-pox  upon  them,  that  they  be  immediately 
removed. 

That  one  soldier  he  taken  out  of  each  company  in  Putnam’s,  Pres- 
cott’s, Bridge’s,  Fry’s,  and  Glover’s  regiments,  for  camp  color-men, 
whose  daily  business  shall  be  to  sweep  and  keep  clean  the  camp. 

Head-quarters  at  Cambridge,  July  3 d. 

Parole,  “ Look  out  ” ; countersign,  “Sharp.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 


* In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  the  army  is  called  “ the  Massachusetts  army,” 
and  it  is  stated  that  the  rules  and  regulations  are  to  be  read  “ at  least  once  a 
fortnight.”  — Eds. 


40 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Head-quarters  at  Cambridge , July  3d,  1775. 

By  his  Excellency  George  Washington,  Esq.,  Commander-in-chief 
of  the  Forces  of  the  United  Colonies  of  North  America,  — 

The  colonel  or  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment  is  ordered 
forthwith  to  make  two  returns  of  the  number  of  men  in  their  respective 
regiments,  distinguishing  those  who  are  sick,  wounded,  or  absent  on 
furlough,  and  also  the  quantity  of  ammunition  each  regiment  now  has. 

After  Orders.  — Four  o’clock,  p.m.  By  his  Excellency  General 
Washington,  — 

It  is  ordered,  that  Colonel  Glover’s  regiment  be  ready  this  evening, 
with  all  their  accoutrements,  to  march  at  a minute's  warning  to  support 
General  Folsom  of  the  New  Hampshire  forces,  in  case  his  line  should 
be  attacked. 

It  is  also  ordered,  that  Colonel  Prescott’s  regiment  equip  themselves, 
march  this  evening,  and  take  possession  of  the  woods  leading  to  Lech- 
more’s  Point,  and  in  case  of  an  attack,  then  Colonel  Glover’s  regiment 
to  march  immediately  to  their  support. 

Head-quarters.,  July  4 th. 

Parole,  “ Abington  ” ; countersign,  “ Bedford.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

July  \th. 

General  Orders.  — 1.  Exact  returns  to  be  made  by  the  proper 
officers  of  all  the  provisions,  ordnance,  ordnance  stores,  powder,  lead, 
working-tools  of  all  kinds,  tents,  camp-kettles,  and  all  other  stores  under 
their  respective  care,  belonging  to  the  armies  at  Cambridge  and  Rox- 
bury.  The  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment  to  make  a return  of 
the  number  of  blankets  wanted  to  complete  every  man  with  one,  at 
least. 

2.  The  lion.  Artemas  Ward,  Charles  Lee,  Philip  Schuyler,  and 
Israel  Putnam,  Esqs.,  are  appointed  majors-general  in  the  American 
army,  by  the  honorable  Continental  Congress,  and  due  obedience  is  to 
be  paid  them  as  such.  The  Continental  Congress  not  having  com- 
pleted the  appointments  of  the  other  officers  in  said  army,  nor  had 
sufficient  time  to  prepare  and  forward  their  commissions,  every  officer 
is  to  continue  to  do  duty  in  the  rank  and  station  he  at  present  holds, 
until  further  orders. 

3.  Thomas  Mifflin,  Esq.,  is  appointed  by  the  General  one  of  his 
aides-de-camp  ; Joseph  Reed,  Esq.,  is  in  like  manner  appointed  secre- 
tary to  the  General  ; and  they  are  in  future  to  be  considered  and 
regarded  as  such. 

4.  The  Continental  Congress  having  now  taken  all  the  troops  of  the 
several  colonies,  which  have  been  raised  or  which  may  be  hereafter 
raised,  for  the  support  and  defence  of  the  liberties  of  America,  into 
their  pay  and  service,  they  are  now  the  troops  of  the  United  Provinces 


1876.1 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


41 


of  North  America,  and  it  is  hoped  that  all  distinction  of  colonies  will 
be  laid  aside,  so  that  one  and  the  same  spirit  may  animate  the  whole, 
and  the  only  contest  be,  who  shall  render  on  this  great  and  trying  oc- 
casion the  most  essential  service  to  the  great  and  common  cause  in 
which  we  are  all  engaged. 

5.  It  is  required  and  expected  that  exact  discipline  be  observed  and 
due  subordination  prevail  through  the  whole  army,  as  a failure  in  these 
essential  points  must  necessarily  produce  extreme  hazard,  disorder,  and 
confusion,  and  end  in  shameful  disappointment  and  disgrace. 

6.  The  General  most  earnestly  requires  and  expects  a due  observ- 
ance of  those  articles  of  war  established  for  the  government  of  the 
army  which  forbid  profane  cursing  and  swearing,  and  drunkenness ; 
and  in  like  manner  requires  and  expects  of  all  officers  and  soldiers  not 
engaged  in  actual  duty  a punctual  attendance  on  divine  service,  to 
implore  the  blessing  of  Heaven  upon  the  means  used  for  our  safety  and 
defence. 

7.  All  officers  are  expected  and  required  to  pay  diligent  attention  to 
keep  their  men  neat  and  clean ; to  visit  them  often  at  their  quarters, 
and  inculcate  upon  them  the  necessity  of  it,  as  essential  to  their  health 
and  service ; they  are  particularly  to  see  they  have  straw  to  lie  on,  if 
to  be  had,  and  to  make  it  known  if  they  are  destitute  of  this  article. 
They  are  also  to  take  care  that  necessaries  are  provided  in  the  camps, 
and  frequently  filled  up,  to  prevent  being  offensive  and  unhealthy. 
Proper  notice  will  be  taken  of  such  officers  and  men  as  shall  distinguish 
themselves  by  a due  attention  to  these  necessary  duties. 

8.  The  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment  is  to  take  particular 
care  that  not  more  than  two  men  of  a company  be  absent  on  furlough 
at  the  same  time,  unless  in  very  extraordinary  cases. 

9.  Colonel  Gardiner*  is  to  be  buried  at  three  o’clock,  f.m.,  with  the 
military  honors  due  to  so  brave  and  gallant  an  officer,  who  fought,  bled, 
and  died  in  the  cause  of  his  country  and  mankind.  His  own  regiment, 
except  the  company  at  Malden,  to  attend  on  this  mournful  occasion. 
The  places  of  those  companies  on  the  lines  on  Prospect  Hill  to  be 
supplied  by  Colonel  Glover’s  regiment  till  the  funeral  is  over. 

10.  No  person  whatever  is  allowed  to  go  to  Fresh  Water  Pond 
a-fishing,  or  on  any  other  occasion,  as  there  may  be  danger  of  intro- 
ducing the  small-pox  intp  the  army. 

11.  It  is  strictly  required  and  commanded  that  there  be  no  firing  of 
cannon  or  small  arms  from  any  of  the  lines,  or  elsewhere,  except  in 
case  of  necessary  immediate  defence,  or  special  order  given  for  that 
purpose. 

12.  All  persons  taken,  deserters  coming  in,  persons  coming  out  of 
Boston,  who  can  give  any  intelligence,  any  captures  of  any  kind  from 
the  enemy,  are  to  be  immediately  reported,  and  brought  up  to  head- 
quarters at  Cambridge. 


* Colonel  Thomas  Gardner,  of  Cambridge,  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
Bunker  Hill,  and  died  on  the  3d  of  July.  See  Frothingham’s  “History  of  the 
Siege  of  Boston,”  pp.  151, 179,  180.  — Eds. 

6 


^ MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY.  [Oct. 

13.  Captain  Griffin  is  appointed  aide-de-camp  to  General  Lee,  and 
to  be  regarded  as  such. 

14.  The  guard  for  the  security  of  the  stores  at  Watertown  to  be 
increased  to  thirty  men  immediately. 

15.  A sergeant  and  six  men  are  to  be  set  as  a guard  to  the  hospital,  ' 
and  are  to  apply  to  Dr.  Rand. 

16.  Complaint  being  made  against  John  White,  quartermaster  of 
Colonel  Nixon’s  regiment,  for  misdemeanors  in  drawing  provisions  for 
more  men  than  the  regiment  consisted  of,  and  for  abusive  behavior,  a 
court-martial,  consisting  of  a captain  and  four  subalterns,  is  ordered  to 
be  held  on  said  White,  at  nine  o’clock  to-morrow  morning,  who  are  to 
make  due  inquiry,  determine,  and  report. 

Head-quarters,  Cambridge , July  hth , 1775. 

By  his  Excellency  General  Washington. 

Parole,  “ Bedford  ” ; countersign,  “ Cambridge.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robinson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

General  Orders.  — 1.  The  adjutant  of  each  regiment  is  required 
to  take  special  care  that  all  general  orders  are  communicated  as  well 
to  the  private  men  as  to  the  officers,  that  there  may  be  no  plea  of  igno- 
rance. They  will  be  deemed  answerable  for  all  consequences  which 
may  follow  from  a neglect  of  this  order. 

2.  A general  court-martial  is  ordered  to  sit  to-morrow,  at  ten  o’clock, 
a.m.,  for  the  trial  of  William  Patten,  charged  with  leaving  his  post 
while  on  guard ; David  Wells  and  Gideon  Cole,  for  sleeping  on  their 
posts  as  sentinels  ; John  Scott,  for  insulting  the  sentry,  and  attempting 
to  pass  the  guard  at  Boston;  and  James  Foster,  for  theft;  when  the 
witnesses  are  to  attend,  and  the  parties  charged  are  to  have  notice 
this  day  that  they  may  be  prepared  for  their  trials. 

3.  The  General  most  earnestly  recommends  and  requires  of  all  the 
officers,  that  they  be  exceeding  diligent  and  strict  in  preventing  all 
invasion  and  abuse  of  private  property  in  their  quarters  or  elsewhere, 
lie  hopes,  and  indeed  flatters  himself,  that  every  private  soldier  will 
abhor  and  detest  such  practices,  when  he  considers  that  it  is  for  his 
own  rights,  liberty,  and  property,  and  those  of  his  fellow-countrymen, 
that  he  is  now  called  into  service  ; that  it  is  unmanly,  and  sullies  the 
dignity  of  the  great  cause  in  which  we  are  all  engaged,  to  violate  that 
property  he  is  called  to  protect ; and  especially  that  it  is  most  cruel  and 
inconsistent  thus  to  add  to  the  distresses  of  those  of  their  countrymen 
who  are  suffering  under  the  iron  hand  of  oppression. 

4.  The  General  again  urges  a speedy  and  exact  return  of  the  forces, 
stores,  provisions,  &c.,  as  desired  in  the  order  already  issued  ; and  for 
the  future,  these  returns  to  be  made  once  a week,  on  Saturday  morning 
regularly.  The  General  is  much  pleased  with  the  expedition  and  care 
which  some  officers  have  already  shown  in  their  obedience  to  this  order. 

5.  The  colonel  or  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment  is  to  direct 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


43 


an  officer  of  each  company  to  call  over  the  rolls  of  their  men  at  six 
o’clock  every  morning,  and  to  make  proper  inquiry  after  the  absentees. 

N.  B. — Wm  Patten  and  David  Wells  belong  to  Captain  Gridley’s 
company,  and  Colonel  Gridley’s  regiment. 

Gideon  Cole  belongs  to  Captain  Chester’s  company,  in  General 
Putnam’s  regiment. 

John  Scott  belongs  to  Captain  Aloney’s  company,  Colonel ’s 

regiment.  * 

James  Foster  belongs  to  Captain  Butler’s  company,  Colonel  Nixon’s 
regiment. 

Thursday , July  6th,  1775.  Head-quarters , Cambridge. 

Parole,  “Cumberland  ” ; countersign,  “ Darby.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bricket. 

Officer  for  the  main  guard,  Major  Johonnot. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

General  Orders. — 1.  A general  court-martial  is  ordered  to  sit  ' 
to-morrow,  at  ten  o’clock,  a.m.,  for  the  trial  of  John  Seymore,  John 
Batchelor,  and  Wm  Croston,f  all  of  Colonel  Gridley’s  regiment,  charged 
with  desertion  and  theft ; at  the  same  time,  they  are  to  hear  and  de- 
termine the  case  of  Thomas  Dunley,  a stroller,  accused  of  theft.  No- 
tice to  be  given  to  the  prisoners  to-day. 

2.  Captain  Leonard,  of  Colonel  Woodbridge’s  regiment,  and  the 
remainder  of  his  company,  are  ordered  to  join  the  guard  at  Watertown. 

3.  The  clothing  provided  by  the  Massachusetts  committee  of  sup- 
plies, for  those  men  of  their  government  who  lost  their  clothes  at  the 
late  action  at  Bunker’s  Hill,  to  be  distributed  to  the  most  needy  and 
necessitous  men  of  each  regiment,  and  an  account  to  be  kept  thereof 
by  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment. 

Cambridge,  Head-quarters,  July  1th,  1775. 

General  Orders.- — By  his  Excellency  General  Washington. 

Parole,  “ Dorchester  ” ; countersign,  “ Exeter.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

1.  It  is  with  inexpressible  concern  that  the  General,  upon  his  first 
arrival  in  the  army,  should  find  an  officer  sentenced  by  a general  court- 
martial  to  be  cashiered  for  cowardice,  — a crime  of  all  others  the  most 
infamous  in  a soldier,  the  most  injurious  to  an  army,  and  the  last  to  be 
forgiven,  inasmuch  as  it  may,  and  often  does,  happen  that  the  coward- 
ice of  a single  officer  may  prove  the  destruction  of  the  whole  army. 
The  General  therefore,  though  with  great  concern  (and  more  espe- 
cially as  the  transaction  happened  before  he  had  the  command  of  the 
troops),  thinks  himself  obliged,  for  the  good  of  the  service,  to  approve 


* In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  the  name  of  the  captain  is  given  as  “Money.” 
Both  Henshaw  and  Fenno  leave  a blank  for  the  name  of  the  colonel.  — Eds. 
t In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  the  name  is  “ Curston.” — Eds. 


44 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


the  judgment  of  the  court-martial  with  respect  to  Captain  John  Callen- 
der, who  is  hereby  sentenced  to  be  cashiered.  Captain  John  Callender 
is  accordingly  cashiered,  and  dismissed  from  all  further  service  in  the 
Continental  Army,  as  an  officer. 

The  General,  having  made  all  due  inquiries,  and  maturely  considered 
this  matter,  is  led  to  the  above  determination,  not  only  from  the  par- 
ticular guilt  of  Captain  Callender,  but  the  fatal  consequences  of  such  a 
conduct  to  the  army,  and  to  the  cause  of  America.  He  now  therefore 
most  earnestly  exhorts  officers  of  all  ranks  to  show  an  example  of 
bravery  and  courage  to  their  men,  assuring  them  that  such  as  do  their 
duty  in  the  day  of  battle  as  brave  and  good  officers  shall  be  honored 
with  every  mark  of  distinction  and  regard,  their  names  and  merits 
made  known  to  the  General  Congress,  and  all  America;  while,  on 
the  other  hand,  he  most  positively  declares  that  every  officer,  be  his 
rank  what  it  may,  who  shall  betray  his  country,  dishonor  the  army  and 
his  General,  by  basely  keeping  back  and  shrinking  from  duty  in  any 
engagement,  shall  be  held  up  as  an  infamous  coward,  and  punished  as 
such  with  the  utmost  martial  severity  ; and  no  connections,  interest,  or 
intercessions  in  his  behalf  will  avail  to  prevent  the  strict  execution  of 
j ustice. 

2.  Captain  Scott’s  and  Captain  Styles’s  companies  from  New  Hamp- 
shire are  to  be  incorporated  or  added  to  Colonel  Sergeant’s  regiment, 
agreeable  to  the  application  made  for  that  purpose. 

3.  No  officer  or  soldier  posted  in  the  lines,  or  for  the  defence  of 
them,  on  Prospect  Hill,  or  Winter  Hill,  or  elsewhere,  are  upon  any 
account  to  sleep  out  of  their  encampment,  or  leave  it  at  nights.  The 
troops  raised  in  New  Hampshire  are  particularly  required  to  attend  to 
this  order,  from  their  particular  circumstances  of  situation. 

4.  No  soldier  belonging  to  those  posts,  or  elsewhere,  to  be  suffered 
to  straggle  at  a distance  from  their  respective  parade,  on  any  pretence, 
without  leave  from  his  officers,  as  an  unguarded  hour  may  prove  fatal 
to  the  whole  army,  and  to  the  noble  cause  in  which  we  are  engaged  ; 
the  importance  of  which  to  every  man  of  common  understanding  must 
inspire  every  good  officer  and  soldier  with  the  noblest  ardor  and  strict- 
est attention,  lest  he  should  prove  the  fatal  instrument  of  our  ruin. 

5.  The  Adjutant-General  is  required  to  make  a strict  return,  as 
quick  as  possible,  of  the  troops  in  Cambridge,  their  numbers,  and  the 
duty  they  do. 

6.  Complaints  having  been  made  with  respect  to  the  bread,  as  being 
sour  and  unwholesome,  the  Quartermaster-General  is  hereby  directed 
to  inquire  into  the  matter,  and  report  upon  it ; at  the  same  time,  to 
inform  the  bakers  that  if  any  more  complaints  are  made,  and  they  shall 
be  found  just,  they  will  be  most  severely  punished. 

7.  The  guards  on  the  roads  leading  to  Bunker’s  Hill  are  ordered 
not  to  suffer  any  person  to  pass  them,  unless  an  officer  is  sent  down 
from  the  lines  to  order  it,  or  they  will  be  severely  punished. 

8.  The  General  has  'great  reason,  and  is  highly  displeased  with  the 
negligence  and  inattention  of  those  officers  who  have  placed  as  sentries 
at  the  outposts  men  with  whose  character  they  are  not  acquainted. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


45 


Pie  therefore  orders,  that  for  the  future  no  man  shall  be  appointed  to 
those  important  stations  who  is  not  a native  of  this  country,  or  has  a 
wife  and  family  in  it  to  whom  he  is  known  to  be  attached.  This  order 
is  to  be  considered  as  a standing  one,  and  the  officers  are  to  pay  obedi- 
ence to  it,  at  their  peril. 

9.  A complaint  of  the  most  extraordinary  kind  having  been  made  to 
the  General,  that  soldiers  enlisted  in  one  regiment  have  been  seduced 
to  re-enlist  into  others,  by  agents  enlisted  for  that  purpose,  under  the 
specious  promise  of  money,  or  leave  of  absence  from  the  army,  — a 
procedure  so  subversive  of  all  order  and  discipline,  and  of  the  very 
existence  of  the  army,  cannot  be  forgiven.  The  strictest  orders  are 
therefore  given  against  such  practices,  and  the  General  most  earnestly 
declares,  that  if  any  agent  or  soldier  shall  hereafter  be  found  so  offend- 
ing, he  will  punish  them  with  the  utmost  severity. 

10.  A general  court-martial  having  sat  upon  Wm  Patten,  and  reported 
that  no  evidence  appeared  against  him  to  support  the  charge,  the  Gen- 
eral defers  decision  upon  the  report  until  further  consideration.  In 
the  mean  time,  the  Adjutant-General  is  ordered  to  wait  on  Colonel  Ward, 
by  whom  the  prisoner  was  confined,  and  learn  from  him  upon  whose 
complaint,  and  what  witnesses  there  are  to  support  it. 

11.  A regimental  court-martial  is  ordered  to  sit  to-morrow,  ten 
o’clock,  on  Samuel  Bartlett,  of  the  company  late  Captain  Callender’s, 
and  Colonel  Gridley’s  regiment,  confined  for  abusive  behavior. 

12.  A general  court-martial  to  sit  to-morrow,  ten  o’clock,  a.m.,  for 
the  trial  of  Thomas  Domily,  charged  with  stealing.  Each  of  the  above 
prisoners  to  have  notice  to-day ; and  the  witnesses  in  like  manner 
ordered  to  attend. 

13.  In  order  that  all  the  sick  and  wounded  in  the  army  may  be 
provided  for  and  taken  care  of  in  the  best  way  and  manner  possible,  it 
is  ordered,  that  when  any  officer  or  soldier  is  so  ill,  either  by  a wound 
or  otherwise,  that  the  surgeon  of  the  regiment  to  which  he  belongs 
finds  he  cannot  be  properly  taken  care  of  in  such  regiment,  such  sur- 
geon shall  send  him  to  the  camp  hospital  to  which  they  belong,  with  a 
certificate,  the  man’s  name,  the  company  and  regiment  to  which  he 
belongs,  &c. ; and,  in  that  case,  the  surgeon  of  the  hospital  shall  receive 
the  said  sick  and  wounded.  And  in  case  such  hospital  shall  be  too 
full,  in  that  case  the  surgeon  of  said  hospital  shall  send  such  of  his 
patients  as  may  be  removed  with  safety  to  the  hospital  at  Watertown, 
with  the  like  certificate  as  above;  on  which  the  surgeon  of  Watertown 
hospital  is  to  receive  and  take  care  of  him. 

Head-quarters,  July  8 th,  1775. 

By  his  Excellency  General  Washington. 

General  Orders. 

Parole,  “ Essex  ” ; countersign,  “ Falkland.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

Ordered,  1.  That  the  main  guard  on  no  account  whatever  be  with- 


46 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


out  a drum,  which  is  to  beat  to  arms  on  any  alarm,  and  followed  by 
all  the  drums  in  the  camp,  on  which  every  officer  and  soldier  is  to 
repair  to  the  alarm  post. 

2.  The  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment  or  corps  in  Cambridge, 
as  soon  as  the  men  are  paraded  after  an  alarm,  to  send  an  officer  to 
head-quarters  for  orders. 

3.  The  commanding  officers  at  Roxbury,  Prospect  Hill,  Winter  Hill, 
and  Sewall’s  Point  to  send  expresses,  in  case  of  an  alarm,  to  head- 
quarters, with  an  account  of  the  situation  and  movements  of  the  enemy. 
If  they  are  not  each  provided  with  a horse  for  that  purpose,  the 
Adjutant-General  to  apply  to  the  Committee  of  Supplies. 

4.  Colonel  Gridley  of  the  artillery,  or  the  next  in  command,  to  give 
in  a return  of  his  men,  stores,  and  ammunition,  agreeable  to  the  order 
of  the  4th  instant,  and  to  distinguish  the  posts  to  which  his  regiment  is 
assigned  in  case  of  alarm.  The  direction  is  given  as  to  the  return  of 
men,  ammunition,  &c.,  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiments  late 
Colonel  Gardiner’s,  of  Colonel  Glover’s,  and  Colonel  Gerrish’s,  who 
have  omitted  complying  with  the  above  order  hitherto. 

5.  The  commanding  officers  at  Winter  Hill,  Prospect  Hill,  and 
Roxbury  are  to  make  particular  inquiry  into  the  ammunition  of  the 
men  in  those  lines,  and,  if  there  is  any  deficiency,  immediately  to  report 
it  to  the  General  at  head-quarters. 

6.  A general  court-martial  is  ordered  to  sit  on  Monday  next,  ten 
o’clock,  for  the  trial  of  Lieutenant  Brigham,  charged  with  rescuing  a 
person  from  lawful  custody.  The  prisoner  to  have  notice  to-day. 

Head-quarters , Cambridge , July  9 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Effingham  ” ; countersign,  “Watertown.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bricket. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

• The  Continental  Congress  having  been  pleased  to  appoint  Horatio 
Gates,  Esq.,  brigadier-general  and  adjutant-general  of  the  army,  he 
is  to  be  obeyed  as  such ; and  all  orders  transmitted  through  him  from 
the  Commander-in-chief,  whether  written  or  verbal,  are  to  be  punct- 
ually and  immediately  obeyed. 

All  soldiers  more  than  two  a company,  who  are  at  present  absent 
upon  furlough,  and  all  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  soldiers, 
who  have  not  joined  their  respective  corps,  to  be  ordered  forthwith  to 
camp  ; the  commanding  officers  of  corps  to  be  answerable  to  the  Gen- 
eral, to  an  immediate  obedience  to  these  orders. 

The  General  (or,  in  bis  absence,  the  commanding  officer  at  Rox- 
bury) to  send  a report  every  day  in  writing,  sealed  up,  to  the  Com- 
mander-in-chief, at  head-quarters,  in  Cambridge,  of  all  the  material 
occurrences  of  the  preceding  day,  mentioning  particularly  all  arrivals 
of  ships  and  vessels  in  the  bay,  and  what  changes  and  alterations  are 
made  in  the  stations  of  the  men-of-war,  trausuorts,  and  floating  bat- 
teries, &c. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


47 


Head-quarters  at  Cambridge , July  1 Oth,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Frederick”;  countersign,  “ Gloucester.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut. -Colonel  Robinson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

The  general  court-martial  of  which  Colonel  William  Prescott  was 
president  having  tried  William  Pattin,  of  Colonel  Gridley’s  regiment, 
having  found  him  guilty  of  threatening  and  abusing  a number  of  per- 
sons when  prisoner  in  the  quarter  guard,  the  court  sentence  the  prisoner 
to  ride  the  wooden  horse  fifteen  minutes.  The  General  approves  the 
sentence,  and  orders  it  to  be  put  in  execution  at  the  head  of  the  regi- 
ment. 

David  Wells,  soldier  in  Colonel  Gridley’s  regiment,  tried  by  the 
above-mentioned  general  court-martial  for  sleeping  upon  his  post  when 
sentry,  is  acquitted  by  the  court. 

No  non-commissioned  officers,  soldiers,  but  such  as  are  guilty  of 
capital  offences,  to  be  confined  in  the  main  guard.  All  those  guilty  of 
crimes  triable  by  a regimental  court-martial  to  be  sent  to  the  quarter 
guards  of  their  respective  corps,  to  be  tried  by  a regimental  court- 
martial. 

The  general  court-martial  whereof  Colonel  Wm  Prescott  is  presi- 
dent to  sit  again  this  day,  at  the  usual  hour ; all  evidences  and  persons 
concerned  to  attend  the  court. 

Whenever  a general  court-martial  is  ordered,  it  is  expected  that  the 
evidences  and  persons  by  whom  the  prisoners  are  confined  do  punct- 
ually attend  to  support  the  accusation,  as  they  will  answer  the  contrary 
at  their  peril. 

The  colonels  of  the  Massachusetts  regiments  to  order  one  subaltern 
from  each  company  in  their  respective  corps  forthwith  upon  the 
recruiting  service.  Proper  instructions  will  be  given  by  the  Adjutant- 
General  to  the  officers  ordered  upon  that  service  ; they  will  therefore 
call  at  head-quarters  as  soon  as  possible  to  receive  their  instructions. 
The  General  recommends  it  to  the  colonels  of  regiments  to  send 
active  and  vigilant  officers  upon  this  service,  and  those  who  are  most 
in  esteem  with  the  people  in  the  district  they  are  sent  to  recruit  in. 

Head-quarters,  Cambridge,  July  1 1th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Guilford  countersign,  “ Hartford.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Colonel  Robinson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

General  Orders.  — 1.  The  general  court-martial  of  which 
Colonel  Wm  Prescott  was  president  is  dissolved.  A general  court- 
martial  is  to  be  assembled  as  soon  as  possible,  to  try  such  persons  as 
shall  be  brought  before  them  ; all  evidences  and  persons  concerned  to 
attend  the  court. 

2.  The  General  understanding  there  is  a bad  custom  prevailing  of 
the  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers  absenting  themselves  from 


48 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


guard,  under  a pretence  of  going  for  provisions,  it  is  therefore  ordered, 
that  all  officers  and  soldiers  bring  their  provisions  to  the  guard  they 
mount,  and  on  no  pretence  quit  their  guard  till  it  is  regularly  dis- 
missed. 

3.  Notwithstanding  the  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  some  per- 
sons are  so  daring  as  to  supply  the  soldiers  with  immoderate  quantities 
of  rum,  and  other  spirituous  liquors.  [If]  any  sutler,  tavern-keeper,  or 
licensed  innholder,  shall  presume,  after  the  date  of  this  order,  to  sell  to 
any  non-commissioned  officer  or  soldier  any  spirituous  liquors  whatso- 
ever, without  an  order  from  the  captain  of  the  company  to  which  such 
non-commissioned  officer  or  soldier  belongs,  he  or  they  so  offending 
may  expect  to  be  severely  punished. 

Lieut. -Colonel  Ward  to  be  president  of  the  general  court-martial. 

July  12th. 

Parole,  “ Falmouth  ” ; countersign,  “Worcester.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

General  Orders.  — The  Adjutant- General  will  deliver  at  orderly 
time  a certain  number  of  printed  returns  to  the  adjutant  of  each 
regiment,  so  that  for  the  future  no  excuse  can  be  admitted  for  not 
making  exact  and  regular  returns  when  demanded.  As  it  is  only 
filling  up  the  blanks  with  the  proper  numbers  to  be  placed  in  them, 
the  Commander-in-chief  will  not  for  the  future  admit  of  any  palliation 
for  making  a false  return,  and  is  resolved  to  bring  any  officer,  of  what 
rank  so  ever,  to  a court-martial,  who  is  found  delinquent. 

When  any  trumpeter  or  flag  of  truce  is  sent  from  Boston,  or  any 
post  occupied  by  the  enemy,  they  are  to  be  stopped  by  the  first  sentry 
they  are  permitted  to  approach,  who  is  to  call  for  the  sergeant  of  the 
guard,  who  will  conduct  them  to  the  officer  of  his  guard  ; and  such 
trumpeter  or  flag  of  truce  is  not  to  be  allowed  to  pass  one  step  beyond 
that  guard.  The  officer  commanding  that  guard  will  send  any  letters 
or  messages  brought  from  the  enemy  immediately  to  the  Commander- 
in-chief,  and  [to]  no  other  person. 

A general  court-martial  of  line  to  sit  at  head-quarters  at  Cambridge 
to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o’clock,  to  try  Colonel  Scammons,  of  the 
Massachusetts  forces,  accused  of  backwardness  in  the  execution  of  his 
duty  in  the  late  action  upon  Bunker’s  Hill ; the  adjutant  of  Colonel 
Scammons’s  regiment  to  warn  all  evidences  and  persons  concerned  to 
attend  the  court. 

Colonel  Nixon,  president  of  above  court. 

July  13  th. 

Parole,  “ Georgia  ” ; countersign,  “ Huntington.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bricket. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant, Tyler. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


49 


General  Orders. — As  the  army  will  forthwith  he  formed  into 
brigades,  the  Adjutant-General  will,  at  orderly  time,  this  day  deliver 
to  the  adjutant  of  each  regiment  a number  of  printed  returns,  one  of 
which  must  be  immediately  tilled  up  and  signed  by  the  commanding 
officer  of  each  regiment,  and  sent  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  Adjutant- 
General,  by  the  adjutant  of  each  regiment.  On  the  back  of  the  re- 
turn it  will  be  necessary  to  mention  where  and  in  what  manner  the 
regiment  is  at  present  posted. 

The  commanding  officer  at  Chelsea  is,  as  soon  as  possible  after  the 
receipt  of  this  order,  to  direct  all  the  cattle  at  Pulling  Point,  Shirley 
Point,  and  the  intermediate  place  between  Powderhorn  Hill  and  the 
sea,  to  be  driven  off. 

And  it  is  recommended  to  the  Commissary-General  to  endeavor  to 
agree  with  the  owners  of  said  cattle  to  purchase  them  for  the  use  of 
the  army. 

Head-quarters,  July  14 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Halifax”;  countersign,  “Inverness.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard.  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

As  the  health  of  an  army  principally  depends  upon  cleanliness,  it  is 
recommended  in  the  strongest  manner  to  the  commanding  officer  of 
corps,  posts,  and  detachments,  to  be  strictly  diligent  in  ordering  the 
necessaries  to  be  filled  up  once  a week,  and  new  ones  dug ; the  streets 
of  the  lines  and  encampments  to  be  swept  daily,  and  all  offal  and 
carrion  near  the  camp  to  be  immediately  buried.  The  officers  com- 
manding in  barracks  or  quarters  to  be  answerable  that  they  are  swept 
every  morning,  and  all  filth  and  dirt  to  be  removed  from  about  the 
houses. 

Next  to  cleanliness,  nothing  is  more  conducive  to  a soldier’s  health 
than  dressing  his  provision  in  a decent  and  proper  maimer ; the  offi- 
cers commanding  companies  should  therefore  daily  inspect  the  camp 
kitchens,  and  see  that  the  men  dress  their  provisions  in  a wholesome 
way. 

The  commanding  officer  of  those  parts  of  the  lines  and  of  redoubts 
where  pikes  are  placed  will  order  the  quartermaster  of  corps  to  see 
the  pikes  greased  twice  a week.  They  are  to  be  answerable  that  the 
pikes  are  kept  clean,  and  always  fit  and  ready  for  service. 

The  General,  observing  great  remissness  and  neglect  in  the  several 
guards  in  and  about  the  camp,  orders  the  officer  commanding  any 
guard  to  turn  out  his  guard  immediately  upon  the  near  approach  of 
the  Commander-in-chief,  or  of  any  of  the  general  officers : and,  upon 
passing  the  guard,  the  Commander-in-chief  is  to  be  received  with 
rested  arms,  the  officers  to  salute,  and  the  drums  to  beat  a march  ; 
the  Major-General,  with  rested  arms,  the  officer  to  salute,  and  the 
drums  to  beat  two  ruffles ; the  Brigadier-Generals,  with  rested  arms, 
the  officer  to  salute,  and  the  drums  to  beat  one  ruffle. 

There  being  something  awkward  as  well  as  improper  in  the  general 


50 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


officers  being  stopped  at  the  outposts,  asked  for  guard  (who  it  some- 
times happens  is  as  much  unacquainted  with  the  person  of  the  gen- 
erals, as  the  private  men),  before  they  can  pass  either  in  or  out,  it  is 
recommended  to  both  officers  and  men  to  make  themselves  acquainted 
with  the  persons  of  all  the  officers  in  general  command;  and  in  the 
meanwhile,  to  prevent  mistakes,  the  general  officers  and  their  aides-de- 
camp  will  be  distinguished  in  the  following  manner  : viz.,  the  Com- 
mander-in-chief, by  a blue  ribbon  worn  across  his  breast,  between  his 
coat  and  waistcoat ; the  Major  and  Brigadiers-General,  by  a pink 
ribbon  worn  in  like  manner ; the  aide-de-camp,  by  a green  ribbon. 

The  court-martial  of  which  Colonel  Ward  was  president  is  dis- 
solved. 

Daniel  Carmicle,  soldier  in  Colonel  Paterson’s  regiment,  tried  for 
disobedience  to  orders,  for  re-enlisting  and  taking  advance  money 
twice,  and  for  drunkenness,  is  found  guilty  of  the  several  charges,  and 
ordered  to  be  whipped  on  the  bare  back,  with  thirty-nine  lashes,  and 
discharged  from  the  army.  The  General  approves  the  sentence, 
and  orders  it  to  be  executed  to-morrow  morning,  at  the  head  of  the 
regiment  he  belongs  to. 

July  15  th. 

Parole,  “ Virginia  ” ; countersign,  “ Maryland.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Lee. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

Orders.  — 1.  The  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment  to  report 
the  names  of  such  men  in  their  respective  corps  as  are  most  expert  in 
the  management  of  whale-boats. 

2.  When  any  commissioned  or  non-commissioned  officer  is  sent 
upon  any  detachment,  duty  of  honor,  fatigue,  or  to  see  the  execution 
of  any  particular  work,  he  is,  so  soon  as  the  work  is  performed,  to 
make  report  thereof  to  the  commanding  officer. 

3.  It  being  found  advantageous  to  the  public  service  to  remove 
sundry  horn  cattle  and  sheep  from  the  grounds  near  which  they  were 
grazing,  near  Chelsea  (to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  enemy’s  hands), 
it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  the  several  commissioners  to  purchase 
such  of  them  as  are  fit  for  slaughter,  of  the  owners,  in  order  that  they 
may  suffer  the  least  loss  possible,  from  the  unavoidable  necessity  of 
removing  them  from  [the]  rapacious  jaws  of  our  enemies. 

4.  Colonel  Gridley,  chief  engineer,  is  desired  to  report  what  chevaux- 
de-frise  are  made,  and  [in]  what  forwardness  those  are  that  are  now 
making.  It  is  necessary  those  upon  hand  be  completed  without 
delay. 

5.  Notwithstanding  the  orders  already  given,  the  General  hears 
with  astonishment  that  not  only  soldiers,  but  officers  unauthorized,  are 
continually  conversing  with  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  enemy. 
Any  officer,  non-commissioned  officer,  soldier,  or  any  person  whatso- 
ever, who  is  detected  holding  any  conversation,  or  carrying  on  any 
correspondence,  with  any  officers  or  sentries  of  the  advanced  posts 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


51 


cf  the  enemy,  will  be  immediately  brought  before  a general  court- 
martial.  and  punished  with  the  utmost  severity.  The  General  alone 
is  to  judge  of  any  propriety  of  any  intercourse  with  the  enemy,  and 
no  one  else  is  to  presume  to  interfere. 

6.  The  chief  engineer,  Colonel  Gridley,  to  order  an  engineer  and  a 
field-officer  of  artillery  to  go  round  the  lines  and  redoubts,  to  examine 
if  the  guns  are  placed  properly  in  the  embrasures,  and  if  the  embras- 
ures were  properly  made,  and  properly  sloped  toward  the  country.  The 
engineer  and  artillery  officers  to  report  to  the  Commander-in-chief,  as 
soon  as  they  have  obeyed  this  order. 

Head-quarters  at  Cambridge,  July  16 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Carolina  ” ; countersign,  “ Springfield.” 

Officer  of  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colouel  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Johonnot. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Tyler. 

General  Orders.- — The  Continental  Congress  having  earnestly 
recommended  that  Thursday  next,  the  20th  instant,  be  observed  by 
the  inhabitants  of  all  the  English  colonies  upon  the  continent  as  a 
day  of  public  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer,  that  they  may  with 
united  hearts  and  voices  unfeignedly  confess  their  sins  before  God,  and 
supplicate  the  all-wise  and  merciful  Disposer  of  Events  to  avoid  the 
devastations  and  calamities  of  an  unnatural  war,  the  General  orders 
that  day  to  be  religiously  observed  by  the  forces  under  his  command, 
in  manner  exactly  directed  bv  the  proclamation  of  the  Continental 
Congress.  It  is  therefore  strictly  enjoined  on  all  officers  and  soldiers 
not  upon  duty  to  attend  divine  service  at  their  accustomed  places  of 
worship,  as  well  in  the  lines  as  in  the  encampments  and  quarters  ; and 
it  is  expected  that  all  those  who  do  go  to  worship,  do  take  their  arms, 
ammunition,  and  accoutrements,  and  are  prepared  for  immediate 
action,  if  called  upon.  If,  in  the  judgment  of  the  officers,  the  works 
should  be  in  such  forwardness  as  the  utmost  security  of  the  camp 
requires,  they  will  command  their  men  to  abstain  from  labor  on  that 
solemn  day. 

It  was  with  much  surprise  and  concern  that  the  General,  in  passing 
along  the  New  Hampshire  lines  yesterday,  observed  a most  wanton, 
mischievous,  and  unprofitable  abuse  of  property,  in  the  destruction  of 
many  valuable  trees  which  were  standing  on  the  side  of  the  road,  out 
of  the  way  of  our  works  or  guns ; lie  therefore  orders  that  an  effect- 
ual stop  be  put  to  such  practices  for  the  future.  A severe  punishment 
will  fall  upon  the  transgressors  of  this  order. 

William  Palfrey,  Esq.,  is  appointed  aide-de-camp  to  Major  General 
Lee.  All  orders,  whether  written  or  verbal,  coming  from  General 
Lee,  and  delivered  by  Captain  Palfrey,  are  to  be  punctually  obeyed. 

A particular  return  to  be  delivered  to  the  Adjutant-General  to- 
morrow, at  orderly  time,  of  the  regiment  of  artillery,  distinguishing 
how  every  man  and  officer  in  the  corps  is  at  present  employed,  and 
where  posted. 


52 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


tOct. 


Head-quarters  at  Cambridge,  July  11th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Boston  ” ; countersign,  “ Salem.” 

Officer  for  the  day,  to-morrow,  Colonel  Brickett. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

General  Orders.  — There  is  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  gen- 
eral orders  are  not  published  to  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  army.  As  pleading  ignorance  of  orders  will  not  for  the 
future  be  admitted  in  excuse  for  any  delinquency,  it  is  once  more 
ordered  that  the  adjutants  of  the  several  corps  will  be  exact  in  seeing 
the  orders  read  every  evening  to  the  men  off  duty  of  their  respective 
corps,  as  they  may  depend  upon  answering  before  a court-martial  for 
any  neglect  in  obeying  this  order. 

The  general  court-martial  whereof  Colonel  John  Nixon  is  president, 
to  sit  again  to-morrow  morning  at  eight  o’clock,  to  try  such  prisoners 
as  shall  be  brought  before  them.  All  evidences  and  persons  concerned 
to  attend  the  court. 

There  being  a great  neglect  in  sending  in  the  returns  to  the  Adju- 
tant-General, as  directed  by  the  general  orders  of  Friday  last  (espe- 
cially from  the  regiment*  posted  in  Roxbury),  the  General  assures 
commanders  of  corps  from  whom  returns  are  expected  that  he  will 
not  for  the  future  pass  over  the  slightest  neglect  in  sending  returns  to 
the  head-quarters  at  the  time  directed  by  the  general  orders.  If  there 
is  any  remissness  in  the  adjutants,  the  colonels  will  not  do  their  duty, 
if  they  do  not  confine  the  transgressors  forthwith. 

After  Orders.  — Captain  Benjamin  Perkins,  of  Colonel  Little’s 
regiment,  confined  by  Colonel  Doolittle  for  assisting  and  abetting 
soldiers  to  mutiny  in  rescuing  a prisoner  from  the  quarter  guard  of 
Colonel  Doolittle’s  regiment,  is  to  be  tried  to-morrow  morning  by  the 
general  court-martial  whereof  Colonel  Nixon  is  president.  All  evi- 
dences and  persons  concerned  to  attend  the  court. 

Camp  before  Boston,  July  1 8th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Wilmington”;  countersign,  “ Chester.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

General  Orders.  — As  the  chevaux-de-frise  are  not  in  readiness, 
the  officers  commanding  the  different  lines  and  redoubts  are,  as  speedily 
as  possible,  to  provide  a sufficient  number  of  gabions,  which  are  to  lay 
empty  at  the  entrances  of  the  respective  posts,  in  order  to  be  filled  up 
as  occasions  may  require.  General  Putnam  will  forthwith  order  his 
post  to  be  furnished  with  a large  quantity  of  fasciues. 

The  officers  commanding  the  different  posts  to  send  an  exact  return 
to  head-quarters  this  afternoon  of  all  the  intrenching  tools  in  their 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Rook  reads  “ regiments.”  The  copy  in  4 Force’s  “ Amer- 
ican Archives,”  II.,  1708,  has  “the  regiments  posted  in  and  near  Roxbury.” 
— Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


53 


possession,  — spades,  pickaxes,  wheel-barrows,  axes,  and  crow-bars  ; 
and  to  mention  the  number  and  quantity  of  any  of  those  implements 
that  are  still  wanting  to  carry  on  their  respective  works. 

Five  captains,  twelve  subalterns,  twelve  sergeants,  and  three  hun- 
dred rank  and  file  to  parade  to-morrow  morning  immediately  after 
divine  service,  from  the  regiments  now  stationed  in  Cambridge,  as  a 
working  party  to  assist  in  raising  the  New  Hampshire  lines. 

Colonel  James  Scammons,  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  forces,  tried  by 
the  general  court-martial  of  which  Colonel  John  Nixon  was  president, 
for  disobedience  to  orders  and  backwardness  in  the  execution  of  duty, 
the  court,  after  duly  examining  the  evidence  for  and  against  the  pris- 
oner, together  with  what  the  prisoner  had  to  say  in  his  own  defence, 
are  of  opinion  that  Colonel  Scammons  is  not  guilty  of  the  crimes 
whereof  he  was  accused,  and  therefore  do  acquit  the  prisoner. 

Colonel  Scammons  to  be  immediately  released  from  his  arrest. 

If,  after  what  has  happened,  the  enemy  in  revenge  for  their  late  losses 
should  dare  to  attempt  forcing  our  lines,  the  army  may  be  assured  that 
nothing  but  their  own  indolence  and  remissness  can  give  the  least  hope 
of  success  to  so  rash  an  enterprise;  it  is  therefore  strongly  recommended 
to  the  commanding  officers  of  corps,  guards,  and  detachments,  that  they 
be  assiduously  alert  in  parading  their  men  at  their  several  posts  half  an 
hour  before  daybreak,  and  remain  there  till  the  commanding  officer 
thinks  proper  to  dismiss  them. 

The  General  hears  with  astonishment  the  very  frequent  applica- 
tions that  are  made  to  him,  as  well  by  officers  as  by  soldiers,  for 
furloughs.  Brave  men,  who  are  engaged  in  the  noble  cause  of  liberty, 
should  never  think  of  removing  from  their  camp  while  the  enemy  is  in 
sight,  and  anxious  to  take  every  advantage  any  indiscretion  on  our  side 
may  give  them.  The  General  doubts  not  but  that  the  commanding 
officers  of  corps  will  anticipate  his  wishes,  and  discourage  those  under 
them  from  disgracefully  desiring  to  go  home,  until  the  campaign  is 
ended. 

Head-quarters,  Cambridge,  July  V.)th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Derby  ” ; countersign,  “ Marblehead.” 

Officer  for  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

Head-quarters,  Cambridge,  July  "20th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Albany”;  countersign,  “ Ticonderoga.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Brickett. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Lee. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  Tyler. 

Certain  drums  in  and  near  Cambridge  very  improperly  beat  the 
reveille  this  morning  before  day;  although  the  troops  are  ordered  to  be 
under  arms  half  an  hour  before  daylight,  it  does  not  follow  that  the 
drums  are  to  beat  at  that  time.  The  reveille  is  to  beat  when  a sentry 
can  see  clearly  one  thousand  yards  around  him,  and  not  before. 

All  aides-de-camp  and  majors  of  brigades  are  to  keep  regularly 


54 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


entered  in  a hook  all  the  general  orders  of  the  army,  as  well  as  those 
of  the  brigade  they  belong  to,  as  the  General-in-chief  will  not  for  the 
future  admit  as  an  excuse  for  the  breach  of  orders  the  plea  of  not 
knowing  them. 

Samuel  Osgood,  Esq.,  and  Joseph  Ward,  Esq.,  being  appointed 
aides-de-camp  to  Major-General  Ward,  they  are  to  he  obeyed  as  such. 
As  all  orders  coming  from  aides-de-camp  are  to  be  considered  as  the 
orders  of  their  respective  generals,  and,  whether  written  or  verbal,  to 
be  forthwith  obeyed,  it  may  be  necessary  once  more  to  repeat  to  the 
army,  that  every  aide-de-camp  and  major  of  brigade  will  be  distin- 
guished by  a green  ribbon. 

Certain  corps  having  been  dilatory  in  delivering  last  Saturday  their 
weekly  returns,  as  positively  directed  by  former  orders,  the  General  is 
determined  for  the  future  not  to  excuse  any  neglect  in  sending  the 
returns  every  Saturday  to  the  Adjutant-General.  As  the  commanding 
officers  of  regiments  are  to  be  answerable  for  the  due  observance  of 
this  order,  it  is  expected  they  are  exact  in  obliging  their  respective 
adjutants  to  fulfil  their  duty. 

Head-quarters , July  21st,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Malden  ” ; countersign,  “ Chelsea.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Johonnot. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

Head-quarters  at  Cambridge , July  22 d,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Nantasket  ” ; countersign,  “ Mississippi.” 

A court  of  inquiry  to  sit  forthwith  (president,  Dr.  Foster;  Dr. 
Warren  and  Dr.  Eustace,  members),  to  examine  into  a complaint 
exhibited  by  Mr.  John  Spaulding,  surgeon  to  General  Putnam’s  regi- 
ment, against  Mr.  Penuel  Chiney,  surgeon’s  mate  of  said  regiment ; 
all  evidences  to  attend  the  court. 

Captain  Israel  Putnam  and  Lieutenant  Sam1  Webb,  being  appointed 
aides-de-camp  to  Major-General  Putnam,  they  are  to  be  obeyed  as 
such. 

Regularity  and  due  subordination  being  so  essentially  necessary  to 
the  good  order  and  government  of  an  army,  and  without  it  the  whole 
must  soon  become  a scene  of  disorder  and  confusion,  the  General  finds 
it  indispensably  necessary,  without  waiting  any  longer  for  despatches 
from  the  General  Continental  Congress,  immediately  to  form  the  army 
into  three  grand  divisions,  and  of  dividing  each  of  those  three  grand 
divisions  into  two  brigades.  He  therefore  orders  that  the  following 
regiments,  viz.  : — 

General  Ward’s,  General  Thomas’s,  Colonel  Fellows’s,  Colonel 
Cotton’s,  Colonel  Danielson’s,  Colonel  David  Brewer’s,  compose  one 
brigade,  and  be  under  the  command  of  Brigadier-General  Thomas. 
That  General  Spencer’s,  Colonel  Parsons’s,  Colonel  Learnard’s, 
Colonel  Walker’s,  Colonel  J.  Read’s,  Independents,  compose  another 
brigade,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  Spencer.  That  these  two 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


55 


brigades  compose  the  right  wing,  or  division,  in  the  army,  and  be  under 
the  command  of  Major-General  Ward,  and  remain  at  Roxbury  and  its 
southern  dependencies. 

That  Colonel  Stark's,  Colonel  Poor’s,  Colonel  Bond’s  (New  Hamp- 
shire), Colonel  Nixon’s,  Colonel  Mansfield’s,  Colonel  Doolittle’s  (Massa- 
chusetts), be  formed  into  another  brigade,  under  the  command  of 
Brigadier- General  Sullivan,  and  posted  on  Winter  Hill.  That  Colonel 
Varnum’s,  Colonel  Hitchcock’s,  Colonel  Church’s  (Rhode  Island), 
Colonel  Whitcomb’s,  Colonel  Gardner’s,  Colonel  J.  Brewer’s  (Massa- 
chusetts), be  formed  into  another  brigade,  and  commanded  by  Brig- 
adier-General Green,  and  posted  upon  Prospect  Hill.  And  these  two 
brigades  compose  the  left  wing,  or  second  division,  of  the  army,  under 
the  command  of  Major-General  Lee. 

That  General  Heath’s,  Colonel  Patterson’s,  Colonel  Scammons’s, 
Colonel  Gerrish’s,  Colonel  Phinney’s,  Colonel  Prescott’s,  be  formed 
into  another  brigade,  and  commanded  by  Brigadier- General  Heath, 
and  be  posted  between  Cambridge  River  and  Prospect  Hill.  That 
General  Putnam’s,  Colonel  Glover’s,  Colonel  Frye’s,  Colonel  Bridge’s, 
Colonel  Woodbridge’s,  Colonel  Sargeant’s,  be  formed  into  another 
brigade,  under  the  command  of  the  senior  officer  therein,  and  until 
the  pleasure  of  the  Continental  Congress  be  known.  These  two 
brigades  to  be  under  the  command  of  Major-General  Putnam,  as  also 
a corps-de-reserve  for  the  defence  of  the  several  posts  north  of  Rox- 
bury, not  already  named.  The  arrangement  now  ordered  to  take 
place,  and  is  to  be  made  as  speedily  as  possible  ; and  the  major- 
generals  are  to  see  it  done  accordingly.  Some  inconveniences  may 
arise  to  certain  individuals  by  this  change ; but  as  the  good  of  the 
service  requires  it  to  be  made,  an  alert  and  ready  compliance  is  ex- 
pected. All  applications  from  henceforward,  by  officers  or  soldiers, 
for  leave  of  absence,  are  to  be  made  to  the  major-general  commanding 
each  division,  who  is  to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  the  application,  and 
grant  furloughs  where  they  see  cause,  without  applying  to  the  Com- 
mander-in-chief ; provided  it  be  not  contrary  to  general  orders. 

General  Heath’s  regiment  is  to  take  post  at  No.  2,  in  lieu  of  General 
Ward’s;  Colonel  Patterson’s,  remain  at  No.  3;  [Colonel  Scammons’s]* 
to  occupy  No.  1 and  the  redoubt  between  that  and  No.  2 ; Colonel 
Gerrish's  f regiment  to  take  post  at  the  redoubt  upon  Sewall’s  Point ; 
Colonel  Gerrish’s  regiment  to  furnish  the  companies  for  Chelsea,  Mal- 
den, and  Medford. 

Head-quarters  at  Cambridge , July  23 d,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Brunswick”  ; countersign,  “ Princetown.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 


* Supplied  from  the  copy  of  this  day’s  orders  in  4 Force’s  “ American  Ar- 
chives,” II.,  1738.  The  copy  in  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  is  incomplete.  — Eds. 

t The  copy  in  Force,  ut  supra,  reads  “ Prescott’s  ” instead  of  “ Gerrish’s.” 
— Eds 


56 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


As  tlie  Continental  army  has  unfortunately  no  uniform,  and  conse- 
quently many  inconveniences  must  arise  from  not  being  able  always 
to  distinguish  commissioned  officers  from  the  non-commissioned,  and 
the  non-commissioned  from  the  privates,  it  is  desired  that  some  badges 
of  distinction  may  be  immediately  provided  : for  instance,  the  field- 
officers  may  have  red  or  pink  colored  cockades  in  their  hats  ; the 
captains,  yellow  or  buff;  and  the  subalterns,  green.  They  are  to  furnish 
themselves  accordingly.  The  sergeants  may  be  distinguished  by  an 
epaulet,  or  stripe  of  red  cloth  sewed  upon  the  right  shoulder  ; the 
corporals,  by  one  of  green. 

The  people  employed  to  make  spears  are  desired  by  the  General 
to  made  four  dozen  of  them  immediately,  thirteen  feet  in  length,  and 
the  wood  part  a good  deal  more  substantial  than  those  already  made, 
particularly  in  the  New  Hampshire  lines.  [They]  are  ridiculously 
short  and  slight,  and  can  answer  no  sort  of  purpose ; no  more  are,  there- 
fore, to  be  made  on  the  same  model. 

The  commanding  officers  of  the  different  works  and  posts  are  once 
more  enjoined  to  furnish  themselves  with  a sufficient  number  of  gabi- 
ons and  fascines,  which  are  to  stop  up  the  entrance  of  their  respective 
redoubts  and  lines,  and  to  repair  their  works  which  may  be  either  dam- 
aged by  the  weather  or  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  It  is  observed  that 
several  of  the  entrances  of  the  redoubts  are  still  left  open,  without  any 
sort  of  defence ; the  commanding  officers  of  each  redoubt  are  therefore 
ordered  to  cut  a wide,  dee])  ditch  at  the  entrances,  and  throw  a bridge 
of  strong  plank  across.  This  to  be  done  without  delay. 

John  Davis,  in  Captain  Foster’s  company,  in  Colonel  Gridley’s 
regiment  of  artillery,  tried  for  desertion,  and  suspicion  of  intending  to 
go  to  the  enemy,  is  acquitted  by  the  general  court-martial.  Ensign 
Trofton,  accused  by  Colonel  Scammons  of  abusive  and  insulting  lan- 
guage to  the  said  Colonel  Scammons  while  under  arrest,  tried  by  a 
general  court-martial,  of  which  Colonel  Nixon  was  president;  the 
court  were  unanimously  of  opinion  that  the  prisoner  is  not  guilty,  and 
do  therefore  acquit  him,  with  honor.  Lieutenant  Trofton  to  be  forth- 
with released  from  his  arrest. 

Michael  Bury,  Captain  Parker’s  company,  and  Colonel  Prescott’s 
regiment,  tried  by  the  same  general  court-martial  for  refusing  his  duty, 
and  enlisting  in  another  company  ; the  court  condemns  the  prisoner, 
and  orders  him  to  receive  thirty-nine  lashes.  The  General  orders  the 
sentence  to  be  put  in  execution  at  the  head  of  the  regiment  the  delin- 
quent belongs  to. 

Colonel  Little’s  regiment,  omitted  in  yesterday’s  orders,  is  in  General 
Green’s  brigade,  and  to  be  posted  on  Prospect  Hill. 

Head-quarters  at  Cambridge,  July  2 ith,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Salisbury  ” ; countersign,  “ Cumberland.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Golonel  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Lee. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Tyler. 

It  being  thought  proper  to  distinguish  the  majors  from  the  brigadiers- 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


57 


general  by  some  particular  mark,  for  the  future  the  major-general  will 
wear  a broad  purple  ribbon. 

Notwithstanding  the  general  orders  making  the  distinction  of  gen- 
eral officers,  aides-de-camp,  &c.,  the  generals  are  frequently  stopped  by 
the  sentinels,  which  can  only  happen  from  the  captains  having  neg- 
lected to  read  the  orders  to  their  respective  companies.  If  any  general 
officer,  aide-de-camp,  or  major  of  brigade,  is  again  stopped  through  the 
ignorance  of  the  sentinels,  the  captains  will  be  considered  as  respon- 
sible. 

As  any  attempt  the  enemy  from  their  late  disappointments  may 
have  the  rashness  or  the  hardiness  to  make  will  be  violent  and  sud- 
den, the  General  expects  the  officers  and  soldiers  will  be  not  only 
resolute,  but  alert  to  defeat ; and,  in  a particular  manner,  he  enforces 
his  orders  to  every  field-officer,  upon  no  account  (duty  excepted)  to 
lay  out  of  camp,  but  upon  every  occasion  to  show  by  their  example 
that  activity  and  steady  courage  so  necessary  to  defeat  an  enterprising 
enemy. 

Notwithstanding  the  orders  of  the  11th  instant,  expressly  forbidding 
all  officers  and  soldiers  from  quitting  their  guard  before  they  are  re- 
lieved and  dismissed,  the  General  is  informed  such  unsoldierly  prac- 
tices are  still  committed  ; he  therefore  admonishes  all  officers  and 
non-commissioned  officers  not  to  suffer  any  person  to  quit  their  guard 
upon  any  pretence ; care  to  be  taken  the  men  are  properly  supplied 
with  provisions  before  they  mount  guard. 

Report  being  made  this  morning  to  the  General  that  the  main 
guard-room  is  kept  abominably  filthy  and  dirty  ; for  the  future  no 
commanding  officer  is  to  i-elieve  another  upon  that  guard  until  he  is 
assured  the  officers’  and  men’s  apartments  are  clean  and  in  decent 
order. 

The  surgeon  of  every  regiment  in  the  lines,  redoubts,  or  in  and 
near  Cambridge,  to  deliver  to-morrow,  at  twelve  at  noon,  to  the  Adju- 
tant-General at  head-quarters,  an  exact  return  of  the  sick  in  the  regi- 
ments they  respectively  belong  to.  The  names,  rank,  and  disorder  of 
each  officer,  non-commissioned  officer,  and  soldier,  to  be  mentioned  in 
the  return. 

The  returns  of  the  surgeon  of  the  corps  stationed  in  and  near  Rox- 
bury  to  be  made  to  the  commanding  general  at  Roxbury  Tuesday 
noon,  in  the  manner  and  form  directed  by  the  above  order,  and  the 
general  commanding  at  Roxbury  will  transmit  them  to  head-quarters 
at  orderly  time  Wednesday. 

Cambridge , July  25th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Halifax”  ; countersign,  “ York.” 

Continual  complaints  being  made  that  soldiers  of  regiments  and 
companies,  after  enlisting  in  one  company  and  regiment,  have  gone  and 
enlisted  in  another  ; insomuch  [that]  it  would  engross  the  General’s 
whole  time  to  hear  the  disputes  upon  this  subject,  for  the  future,  any 
officers  who  have  any  dispute  in  regard  to  the  men  recruited  are  to 


58 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


apply  to  the  brigadier  commanding  their  brigade,  who  will  order  a 
court-martial  of  the  brigade  to  hear  and  determine  the  matter. 

The  general  court-martial  of  which  Colonel  Nixon  was  president  to 
be  dissolved  this  evening,  and  another  general  court-martial  of  the 
lines  to  sit  to-morrow  morning  at  the  usual  time  and  place,  to  try  such 
prisoners  as  shall  be  brought  before  them.  All  evidences  and  persons 
concerned  to  attend. 

Head-quarters , Cambridge,  July  26 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Amsterdam  ” ; countersign,  “ Amboy.” 

It  is  recommended  to  the  commanding  officers  of  corps  that  all 
coverings  made  of  boards  [be]  built  in  the  form  of  barracks,  and  in 
the  most  advantageous  manner,  at  the  same  time  so  contrived  as  to  be 
warm  and  comfortable  in  cold  weather. 

All  passes  to  be  discontinued  for  the  future,  and  no  person  to  be 
admitted  into  the  lines,  unless  introduced  by  an  officer  who  can  vouch 
for  him,  or  by  order  of  the  officer  commanding  in  the  lines. 

It  being  represented  that  the  present  hospital  is  not  large  enough  to 
contain  the  sick,  Lieutenant-Governor  Oliver’s  house  is  to  be  cleared 
for  that  purpose,  and  care  to  be  taken  that  no  injury  is  done  to  it. 

Notwithstanding  the  strict  and  repeated  orders  that  have  been  given 
against  firing  of  small  arms,  it  is  hourly  practised.  All  officers  com- 
manding guards,  posts,  and  detachments  to  be  alert  in  apprehending 
all  future  transgressors. 

Captain  Clark,  of  General  Putnam’s  regiment,  confined  in  arrest  for 
a neglect  of  duty  when  upon  guard,  tried  by  a late  general  court- 
martial,  is  acquitted,  and  immediately  to  be  released  from  his  arrest. 

Levi  Wood,  soldier  in  Captain  Nutting’s  company,  in  Colonel 
Prescott’s  regiment,  confined  for  absenting  himself  without  leave,  and 
refusing  to  take  the  oath,  and  threatening  to  leave  the  army,  the  court- 
martial,  upon  the  prisoner’s  pleading  guilty,  and  promising  to  behave 
obediently  for  the  future,  recommended  him  to  the  General’s  mercy, 
who  is  pleased  to  pardon  the  prisoner. 

Head-quarters,  Cambridge,  July  27th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Bedford  ” ; countersign,  “ Goilford.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow, . 

Officer  of  the  main  guard, . 

Adjutant  of  the  day, . 

John  Trumbull,  Esq.,  being  appointed  aide-de-camp  to  his  Excellency 
the  Commander-in-chief,  he  is  to  be  obeyed  as  such. 

A court  of  inquiry  to  sit  to-morrow  morning,  at  eight  o’clock,  in  the 
tutor’s  chamber  (Mr.  Hall’s),  to  examine  into  a complaint,  exhibited 
upon  oath,  in  the  public  newspapers,  against  Mr.  Benjamin  Whiting,  a 
prisoner  in  the  college.  All  evidences  and  persons  concerned  to 
attend  the  court. 

For  the  future,  when  any  deserters  come  to  the  out-guards,  they  are 
without  the  least  delay  to  be  sent  by  a corporal's  guard  to  the  next 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


59 


guard  in  the  lines,  who  is  immediately  to  escort  them  in  the  same 
maimer  to  the  major-general  commanding  that  division  of  the  army, 
who,  as  soon  as  he  has  examined  them,  will  forthwith  send  them  under 
a proper  escort  from  his  guard  to  the  head-quarters.  Some  of  the  de- 
serters being  made  drunk  who  came  last  night  from  the  enemy,  before 
they  reached  head-quarters,  it  will  be  considered  as  a breach  of  orders 
in  any  person  who  gives  rum  to  deserters,  before  they  are  examined 
by  the  General. 

A subaltern  officer’s  guard  to  be  mounted  to-morrow  morning  at 
eight  o’clock,  at  a certain  distance  from  the  small-pox  hospital ; the 
officer  to  come  this  evening  at  six  o’clock  to  the  Adjutant-General 
for  orders. 

Head-quarters , July  28 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Cumberland”;  countersign,  “Brookline.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow, . 

Officer  of  the  main  guard, . 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  — — . 

The  surgeons  of  Learnard’s,  Heath’s,  Little’s,  Phinney’s,  and  Par- 
son’s regiments  having  neglected  to  deliver  in  the  returns  of  the  sick 
of  their  respective  regiments  to  the  Adjutant-General,  those  returns 
to  be  delivered  forthwith,  and  the  surgeons  of  those  corps  are  to  be 
exact  in  obedience  to  orders. 

Head-quarters , July  2 9th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Dartmouth  ” ; countersign,  “ Cork.” 

A sergeant  and  six  men  to  parade  at  the  head-quarters,  at  eleven 
o’clock,  to  escort  certain  prisoners  and  deserters  to  Worcester  ; this 
party  to  be  victualled  for  this  day  and  to-morrow.  The  sergeant  will 
receive  his  orders  from  the  Adjutant-General. 

Mr.  Benjamin  Whiting,  tried  by  a court  of  inquiry,  ordered  in  the 
general  orders  of  the  27th  instant,  whereof  Lieut.-Colonel  Bric.kett 
was  president.  The  court  having  maturely  considered  the  evidence 
for  and  against  the  prisoner,  as  well  as  what  the  prisoner  had  to  offer 
in  his  defence,  are  of  opinion  that  the  prisoner  is  not  guilty  of  the 
crime  laid  to  his  charge,  and  do  therefore  acquit  the  prisoner.  The 
General  therefore  orders  the  prisoner  to  be  released. 

James  McDaniel,  tried  by  a general  court-martial,  whereof  Colonel 
Glover  is  president,  for  forging  an  order  of  General  Putnam’s  to  ob- 
tain a quart  of  rum,  and  for  abusive  language  to  Colonel  Gridley,  is 
found  guilty,  and  ordered  to  receive  twenty  lashes.  The  General 
confirms  the  sentence,  and  orders  it  to  be  executed  after  prayer-time 
to-morrow. 

James  Foster,  of  Captain  Butler’s  company,  in  Colonel  Nixon’s 
regiment,  tried  by  the  same  general  court-martial  for  robbing  Dr. 
Foster,  surgeon  of  the  general  hospital,  being  found  guilty  of  the 
charge,  is  sentenced  to  receive  thirty-nine  lashes,  and  to  suffer  one 
month’s  fatigue.  The  General  approves  the  sentence,  and  orders  it  to 


60 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


be  put  in  execution  at  the  head  of  the  regiment,  after  prayer-time  to- 
morrow morning. 

Wm  Winslow,  of  Captain  Perkins’s  company  of  artillery,  tried  by  the 
same  court-martial  for  stealing  a common  cartridge  of  powder,  is 
acquitted. 

Head-quarters , July  30 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Essex”;  countersign,  “ Dublin.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Prescott. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

William  Tudor,  Esq.,  being  appointed  judge-advocate  of  the  Con- 
tinental Army,  he  is  in  all  things  relative  to  his  office  to  be  acknowl- 
edged and  obeyed  as  such. 

The  drummers  and  fifers  of  the  regiments  in  and  about  Cambridge 
are  to  be  ordered  constantly  to  attend  the  drum-and-fife  major,  at  the 
usual  hours,  for  instruction. 

Head-quarters , July  31st,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Falkland  ” ; countersign,  “ Eldenton.”* 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Johonuot. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, r Fox. 

The  Continental  Congress  having  been  pleased  to  appoint  Joseph 
Trumbull,  Esq.,  to  be  commissary-general  to  the  army  of  the  United 
Colonies,  all  commissaries  heretofore  appointed  by  any  of  the  dis- 
tinct Colonies’  Congresses,  or  by  particular  authority  of  any  particular 
districts  or  colony,  are  forthwith  to  make  an  exact  return  of  the  pro- 
visions, and  all  the  different  species  of  provisions,  they  have  in  or  near 
the  camps  at  Cambridge  and  Roxbury.  Thereupon  Commissary- 
General  Trumbull,  being  assured  by  the  report  of  his  clerk,  assistant, 
or  from  his  own  examination,  that  such  return  is  just  and  true,  is  to 
give  his  receipt  for  the  quantity  delivered  into  his  hands ; which  re- 
ceipt will  be  a good  voucher  in  the  passing  the  account  of  the  differ- 
ent colony  commissaries  heretofore  appointed,  and  will  be  allowed  as 
such. 

The  commissaries  at  present  appointed  by  the  several  colonies  are 
forthwith  to  make  up  their  accounts  unto  the  third  day  of  August, 
inclusive,  ready  to  be  laid  before  the  Commander-in-chief,  and  by  him 
transmitted  to  the  Continental  Congress,  or  to  be  adjusted,  and  finally 
settled  by  him,  as  the  Continental  Congress  shall  think  proper  to 
direct. 

A return,  signed  by  the  commanding  officers  of  regiments  and  corps, 
to  be  delivered  to  the  Adjutant-General  to-morrow  morning,  at  general 
orderly-time,  of  the  names,  ranks,  and  dates  of  the  officers’  commissions 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  reads  “Edentown.”  In  the  copy  in  4 Force’s 
“American  Archives,”  III.  34,  it  is  “ Edenton,”  which  is  the  modern  spelling 
of  the  name.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


61 


in  their  respective  regiments  and  corps,  mentioning  also  the  vacancies, 
and  how  occasioned. 

A general  court-martial  to  sit  immediately,  to  try  Captain  Gardner, 
of  Colonel  Vernon’s  regiment,  for  cowardice,  abandoning  his  post,  and 
deserting  his  men.*  All  evidences  and  persons  concerned  to  attend  the 
court. 

Head-quarters,  August  lsf,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Gibralter  ” ; countersign,  “ Fairfield.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Johonnot. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Lee. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

The  General  thanks  Major  Tupper  and  the  officers  and  soldiers 
under  his  command  for  their  gallant  and  soldierlike  behavior  in  pos- 
sessing themselves  of  the  enemy’s  post  at  the  light-house,  and  for  the 
number  of  prisoners  they  took  there,  and  doubts  not  but  the  Continen- 
tal Army  will  be  as  famous  for  their  mercy  as  their  valor. 

Two  subalterns,  two  sergeants,  one  drum,  and  thirty  rank  and  file, 
to  parade  at  head-quarters,  at  noon,  to  escort  the  prisoners  to  Worces- 
ter. The  commanding  officer  will  receive  his  orders  from  the  Adju- 
tant-General. For  the  satisfaction  of  all  concerned,  the  General  directs 
the  following  resolution  of  the  legislature  of  this  colony  to  be  inserted 
in  general  orders,  viz. : — 

In  House  of  Representatives, 

Watertown,  July  29,  1775. 

Whereas,  sundry  complaints  have  been  made  by  some  of  the  soldiers 
raised  by  this  colony,  that  they  have  not  received  the  allowance  pay  of 
forty  shillings,  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  Provincial  Congress ; 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  forthwith  to  apply  to  the 
colonels  of  the  several  regiments  raised  by  this  colony,  and  to  the 
muster-masters  and  pay-masters  in  the  camps  at  Cambridge  and  Rox- 
bury,  and  obtain  of  them  a complete  list  of  the  non-commissioned 
officers  and  soldiers  in  their  respective  regiments,  distinguishing  those 
that  have  been  mustered  and  paid  from  those  that  have  not,  that  such 
methods  may  be  pursued  as  shall  remove  all  just  ground  of  complaint. 

Read,  and  ordered,  that  Colonel  Cushing  and  Mr.  Webster,  with 
such  as  the  honorable  board  shall  join,  be  a committee  for  the  purposes 
above  mentioned. 

Sent  up  for  concurrence.  JaS  WarreN; 

In  council,  read  and  concurred,  and  Colonel  Lincoln  is  joined. 

Attest:  P.  Morton,  Secretary. 

The  officers  commanding  Massachusetts  regiments  will  pay  all  due 
attention  to  the  foregoing  resolution. 

o o 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  lias  “ Colonel  Hitchcock’s  regiment.”  The  copy  in 
4 Force’s  “American  Archives,”  III.  34,  has  “Colonel  Varnum’s  regiment,” 
which  is  correct.  See  also  the  general  orders  for  August  2d,  on  the  next  page. 
— Eds. 


62 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


One  man  in  a company  to  be  appointed  a camp  color-man,  from 
every  company  in  every  regiment  in  the  army,  whose  particular  duty 
it  must  be  to  attend  the  quartermaster  and  quartermaster-sergeant;  to 
sweep  the  street  of  their  respective  encampments;  to  fill  up  the  old 
necessary  bouses,  and  dig  new  ones ; to  bury  all  offals,  filth,  and  nasti- 
ness that  may  poison  or  infect  the  health  of  the  troops ; and  the 
quartermasters  are  to  be  answerable  to  their  commanding  officers  for  a 
strict  observance  of  this  order,  and,  by  persevering  in  the  constant  and 
unremitted  execution  thereof,  remove  that  odious  reputation  which 
(with  but  too  much  reason)  has  stigmatized  the  character  of  American 
troops.  The  colonels  and  commanding  officers  of  regiments  are  to  be 
answerable  to  the  General  for  all  due  obedience  to  this  order. 

'The  General  finding  it  not  uncustomary  for  officers  to  take  the 
liberty  of  absenting  themselves  from  camp  without  leave,  and  going 
home,  for  the  future  any  officer  found  guilty  of  so  glaring  an  offence 
against  all  order  and  discipline,  and  setting  so  bad  an  example  to  the 
non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers  under  his  command,  such  officer 
or  officers  so  offending  may  dejiend  upon  being  punished  with  the 
utmost  severity. 

Lest  the  late  successes  against  the  enemy  should  occasion  any  re- 
laxation in  the  alertness  of  the  troops,  the  General  recommends  it  in 
the  strongest  manner  to  all  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Continental 
Army  to  be  more  vigilant  in  their  duty,  and  watchful  of  the  enemy,  as 
they  will  certainly  take  every  advantage  of  any  supineness  on  our  part. 

Head-quarters,  August  2d,  1775. 

Parole,  “Halifax”;  countersign,  “ Geneva.” 

Captain  Oliver  Parker,  of  Colonel  Prescott’s  regiment,  tried  by  a 
general  court-martial,  whereof  Colonel  Glover  was  president,  for 
defrauding  his  men  of  their  advance  pay,  and  by  false  returns  imposing 
upon  the  commissary,  and  drawing  more  rations  than  he  had  men  in 
his  company,  and  for  selling  the  provisions  he  by  that  means  obtained, 
is  by  the  court  found  guilty  of  the  whole  charge  against  him,  and 
sentenced  to  be  cashiered,  mulcted  of  all  bis  pay,  and  rendered  incapa- 
ble of  future  service. 

Captain  Christopher  Gardiner,  of  Colonel  Varnum’s  regiment,  in  the 
Rhode  Island  brigade,  tried  by  a general  court-martial,  whereof 
Colonel  Thomas  Church  was  president,  for  deserting  his  post,  is  found 
guilty  of  the  crime,  and  unanimously  sentenced  to  be  cashiered,  as 
incapable  of  serving  his  country  in  any  military  capacity. 

The  General  approves  both  the  above  sentences,  and  orders  the 
commanding  officers  of  the  regiments  to  see  the  prisoners  dismissed 
the  army. 

Head-quarters,  August  3 d,  1775. 

Parole,  “Ireland”;  countersign,  “ Hartford.” 

When  any  plunder  is  taken  from  the  enemy  (not  excepted  by  the 
Continental  articles  of  war),  such  plunder  must  be  all  surrendered  to 
the  commanding  officer;  and,  as  soon  as  convenient  after  his  arrival  at 
head-quarters,  public  notice  must  be  made  that  an  auction  will  be  held 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


63 


in  the  front  of  the  encampment  for  the  sale  thereof  the  next  day  at 
noon ; and  the  money  arising  therefrom  is  to  be  equally  divided  be- 
tween the  officers  and  men  that  took  it.  This  order  is  not  to  be  con- 
strued to  extend  to  permitting  unlawful  and  irregular  plundering,  as 
any  officer  or  soldier  who  shall  be  found  guilty  thereof  will  be  pun- 
ished with  the  greatest  severity. 

All  the  armorers  belonging  to  any  of  the  regiments  in  the  three 
brigades  posted  in  the  lines,  or  in  Cambridge,  and  those  employed  in 
the  artillery,  to  be  at  head-quarters  by  eight  o’clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing ; and  none  will  be  entitled  to  any  pay  hereafter  who  does  not 
attend  at  that  time. 

Head-quarters,  August  4//q  1775. 

Parole,  “ London”  ; countersign,  “ Iceland.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bricket. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Gibbs. 

It  is  with  indignation  and  shame  the  General  observes  that  notwith- 
standing the  repeated  orders  which  have  been  given  to  prevent  the 
firing  of  guns  in  and  about  the  camp,  that  it  is  daily  and  hourly  prac- 
tised. That,  contrary  to  all  order,  straggling  soldiers  do  still  pass  the 
guards,  and  fire  at  a distance,  where  there  is  not  the  least  probability 
of  hurting  the  enemy,  and  where  no  other  end  is  answered  but  to  waste 
their  ammunition,  expose  themselves  to  the  ridicule  of  the  enemy,  and 
keep  their  own  camps  harassed  by  frequent  and  continual  alarms,  to 
the  hurt  and  detriment  of  every  good  soldier,  who  is  thereby  disturbed 
of  his  natural  rest,  and  at  length  will  never  be  able  to  distinguish  be- 
tween a real  and  false  alarm. 

For  these  reasons,  it  is  in  the  most  peremptory  manner  forbid  any 
person  or  persons  whatsoever,  under  any  pretence,  to  pass  the  out- 
guards,  unless  authorized  by  the  commanding  officer  of  that  part  of 
the  lines,  signified  in  writing,  which  must  be  shown  to  the  officers  of 
the  guard  as  they  pass. 

Any  person  offending  in  this  particular  will  be  considered  in  no 
other  light  than  as  a common  enemy,  and  the  guards  will  have  orders 
to  fire  upon  them  as  such.  The  commanding  officer  of  every  regiment 
is  to  direct  that  every  man  in  his  regiment  is  made  acquainted  with 
these  orders,  to  the  end  that  no  one  may  plead  ignorance,  and  that  all 
may  be  apprised  of  the  consequences  of  disobedience.  The  colonels  of 
regiments  and  commanding  officers  of  corps  to  order  the  rolls  of  every 
company  to  be  called  twice  a day,  and  every  man’s  ammunition  exam- 
ined at  evening  roll-calling,  and  such  as  are  found  to  be  delicient  to  be 
confined. 

The  guards  are  to  apprehend  all  persons  firing  guns  near  their  posts, 
whether  towns-people  or  soldiers. 

Head-quarters,  Avgust  5th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Westminster  ” ; countersign,  “ Richmond.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Johonnot. 


64 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  Fox. 

For  the  establishment  of  order  and  to  prevent  disputes  between 
officers,  as  well  as  for  fixing  a regular  and  proper  distribution  of  the 
commissions  of  the  Continental  Army,  part  of  which  are  already 
arrived  from  the  Congress,  and  the  rest  hourly  expected,  it  is 
ordered,  that  a meeting  of  the  field-officers  of  each  brigade  be  held 
to-morrow  morning  at  ten  o’clock,  as  near  as  may  be  to  the  centre  of 
the  encampment  of  each  brigade,  who  are  to  choose,  by  ballot,  one  out 
of  their  body  to  represent  them  in  forming  a court  for  the  adjustment 
and  final  settlement  of  — 

First,  The  rank  of  the  regiments  of  the  Continental  Army,  and 
numbering  of  each  regiment  accordingly,  as  all  differences  and  distinc- 
tions are  to  be  now  laid  aside.  The  regiments  of  the  several  provinces 
that  form  the  Continental  Army  are  to  be  considered  no  longer  in  a 
separate  and  distinct  point  of  view,  but  as  part  of  the  whole  army  of 
the  United  Provinces. 

Secondly,  The  rank  of  the  field-officers  of  all  the  regiments  forming 
the  Continental  Army. 

Thirdly,  The  rank  of  all  the  captains,  subalterns,  and  staff-officers. 
And  as  doubts  may  arise  which  cannot  be  determined  by  the  six  field- 
officers  so  chosen  by  ballot,  they  are  hereby  directed  to  choose  by 
ballot  one  brigadier-general;  who  will  preside  as  moderator  of  the 
court  for  finally  settling  the  rank  of  all  the  corps  and  all  the  com- 
missioned officers  that  compose  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies. 

This  court,  being  duly  constituted  and  appointed,  are  to  sit  on  Mon- 
day morning  next,  at  Deacon  Jones’s,  in  Cambridge. 

The  church  to  be  cleaned  out  forthwith,  as  the  Rev.  Mr.  Doyle  will 
perform  divine  service  therein  to-morrow  morning  at  ten  o’clock. 

Head-quarters , August  &th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Manchester”  ; countersign,  “ Lancaster.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Bridge. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Lee. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Sartell. 

Head-quarters,  August  7th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Newcastle”;  countersign,  “Malden.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Glover. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Lieut.-Colonel  Robinson. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 

Captain  Kilton,  of  Colonel  Patterson’s  regiment,  tried  by  a general 
court-martial  for  neglect  of  duty,  is  found  guilty  of  a breach  of  the 
forty-ninth  article  of  the  rules  and  regulations  for  the  Massachusetts 
army ; they  therefore  sentence  him  to  receive  a severe  reprimand 
from  the  commanding  officer,  at  the  head  of  the  regiment. 

Application  having  been  made  for  sutlers  to  supply  the  different 
regiments  with  necessaries,  the  Commander-in-chief  has  no  objection 


1S76.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


65 


to  each  colonel  appointing  one  for  his  particular  regiment,  provided  the 
public  is  not  to  he  taxed  with  any  expense  by  the  appointment;  and 
provided,  also,  that  each  colonel  doth  become  answerable  for  the  con- 
duct of  the  sutler  so  appointed,  and  taking  care  that  he  conform  strictly 
to  all  orders  given  for  the  regulation  of  the  army,  and  that  he  does  not 
in  any  instance  attempt  to  impose  upon  the  soldiers  in  the  prices  of 
their  goods.  No  officer,  directly  or  indirectly,  is  to  become  a sutler. 
It  is  in  an  especial  manner  recommended  to  the  commanding  officer 
of  each  regiment  to  see  that  a store  of  shoes  and  shirts  are  laid  in  for 
their  men,  as  these  are  at  all  times  necessary.  The  General  recom- 
mends it  to  the  colonels  to  provide  Indian  boots  or  leggings  for  their 
men,  instead  of  stockings,  as  they  are  not  only  warmer,  but  wear 
longer,  but,  by  getting  them  of  a color,  contribute  to  uniformity  in 
dress,  especially  as  the  General  is  in  hopes  of  prevailing  with  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  to  give  each  man  a hunting-shirt. 

For  the  future,  no  return  is  to  be  delivered  to  the  Adjutant-General 
that  is  not  signed  by  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment  or  corps 
specilied  by  the  return ; and  it  is  expected  that  the  commanding  offi- 
cers of  regiments  do  not  receive  any  returns  from  their  adjutants, 
unless  he  at  the  same  time  presents  the  said  commanding  officer  with 
a particular  return,  signed  by  the  respective  captains  of  companies  in 
the  regiment  he  commands. 


Head-quarters,  August  8th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Portsmouth”  ; countersign,  “Northumberland.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Brickett. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant  of  the  day,  Tyler. 

As  the  numbers  of  absent  sick,  by  the  last  returns,  are  astonishingly 
great,  it  is  ordered  that  the  name  of  each  man  (absent  under  that 
pretence)  be  given  in  by  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment,  and 
signed  by  him,  setting  forth  the  town  which  each  particular  soldier  is 
gone  to,  that  the  committee  thereof  may  be  applied  to,  to  inspect  into 
the  nature  of  their  complaints,  and  make  report  of  those  who  are  fit 
for  duty.  It  has  been  intimated  to  the  General  that  some  officers, 
under  pretence  of  giving  furloughs  to  men  recovering  from  sickness, 
send  them  to  work  upon  their  farms,  for  their  own  private  emolument, 
at  the  same  time  that  the  public  is  taxed  with  their  pajq  if  not  with 
their  provisions.  These  insinuations  being  but  obliquely  made,  the 
General  is  unwilling  to  believe  that  any  officer  can  be  so  lost  to  all 
sense  of  honor  as  to  defraud  the  public  in  so  scandalous  a manner, 
and  therefore  does  not  at  present  pay  any  further  regard  to  the  insinua- 
tion than  to  declare  that  he  will  show  no  favor  to  any  officer  who 
shall  be  found  guilty  of  such  iniquitous  practices,  but  will  do  his  utmost 
endeavors  to  bring  them  to  exemplary  punishment,  and  the  disgrace 
due  to  such  malconduct. 

The  following  is  the  ration  of  provision  allowed  by  the  Continental 
Congress  unto  each  soldier,  viz. : one  pound  of  fresh  beef,  or  three- 
quarters  of  a pound  of  pork,  or  one  pound  of  salt  fish  per  diem  ; one 

9 


66 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


pound  of  bread  or  flour  per  diem  ; three  pints  of  pease  or  beans  per 
week,  or  vegetables  equivalent  at  five  shillings  sterling  per  bushel  for 
pease  or  beans ; one  pint  of  milk  per  diem  per  man,  when  to  be  had , 
one  half  pint  of  rice,  or  one  pint  of  Indian  meal,  per  man  per  week ; 
one  quart  of  spruce  beer  per  man  per  diem,  or  nine  gallons  of  molasses 
per  company  of  one  hundred  men  ; three  pounds  of  candles  to  one  hun- 
dred men  per  week,  for  guards,  &c. ; twenty-four  pounds  of  soft,  or 
eight  pounds  of  hard  soap,  for  one  hundred  men  per  week  ; one  ration 
of  salt  [meat*],  one  ration  of  fresh  [meat*],  and  two  rations  of 
bread,  to  be  delivered  Monday  morning;  Wednesday  morning  the 
same;  Friday  morniug  the  same,  and  one  ration  of  salt  fish.  All 
weekly  allowances  delivered  Wednesday  morning.  When  the  number 
of  regiments  are  too  many  to  serve  the  whole  the  same  day,  then  the 
number  is  to  be  divided  equally,  and  one  part  served  Monday  morning, 
the  other  part  Tuesday  morning,  and  so  through  the  week. 

Head-quarters , August  9 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Rochester  ” ; countersign,  “ Plymouth.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Robinson. 

Officer  of  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant, Gibbs. 

The  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment  or  corps  is  to  send  a 
return  at  orderly-time  to-morrow  to  the  Adjutant-General,  of  the  num- 
ber of  tents  or  boards  which  are  wanted  to  cover  the  men,  that  they 
may  be  provided  as  soon  as  possible.  They  are  also  to  give  in  the 
names  of  such  of  their  men  who  have  never  received  blankets,  or  who 
lost  them  in  the  engagement  on  Buuker’s  Hill. 

As  there  are  several  vacancies  in  the  different  regiments,  if  there 
are  any  particular  gentlemen  who  signalized  themselves  in  the  action 
on  Bunker’s  Hill,  by  their  spirited  behavior  and  good  conduct,  and 
of  which  sufficient  proof  is  adduced  to  the  General,  he  will,  in  filling 
up  the  commissions,  use  his  endeavors  to  have  them  appointed  (if  not 
already  commissioned)  to  some  office,  or  promoted,  if  they  are ; as  it 
will  give  him  infinite  pleasure  at  all  times  to  reward  merit,  wherever 
it  is  found. 

Colonel  Learned’s  regiment  to  join  General  Thomas’s  brigade,  and 
Colonel  Huntington’s  to  join  General  Spencer’s  brigade. 

Captain  Ballard,  of  Colonel  Frye’s  regiment,  tried  by  the  late  gen- 
eral court-martial  for  profane  swearing,  and  for  beating  and  abusing 
his  men.  The  court  find  the  prisoner  guilty  in  two  instances  of  pro- 
fane swearing,  and  of  beating  one  of  his  men,  and  therefore  sentence 
him  to  pay  a fine  of  four  shillings  for  each  offence. 

Captain  Jessee  Saunders,  of  Colonel  Sargeant’s  regiment,  tried  by 
the  late  general  court-martial  for  frequently  drawing  more  provision 
than  he  had  men  in  his  company  to  consume,  for  forcing  the  sentries, 
and  taking  away  a gun,  the  property  of  William  Turner,  and  threat- 
ening the  life  of  Sergeant  Connor,  cocking  and  presenting  his  gun  at 


* Supplied  from  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book.  — Eds. 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


67 


him  when  in  the  execution  of  his  duty.  The  court  are  of  opinion  that 
the  prisoner  is  guilty  of  the  whole  of  the  charge  exhibited  against  him, 
and  unanimously  adjudge  that  he  be  forthwith  cashiered.  The  Gen- 
eral approves  the  above  sentence,  and  orders  it  to  be  put  in  immedi- 
ate execution. 

To-morrow  the  rules  and  articles  formed  by  the  Honorable  Conti- 
nental Congress  for  the  government  of  the  twelve  United  Colonies  will 
be  delivered  out,  to  be  distributed  through  the  several  corps  of  the 
army.  They  are  to  be  signed  by  the  several  officers  of  each  regiment, 
beginning  with  the  colonels,  and  then  by  the  soldiers,  in  the  blank 
leaves  left  for  that  purpose  ; and,  after  they  are  so  subscribed,  they  are 
to  be  deposited  with  the  captain  of  each  company.  If  there  are  any 
officers  or  soldiers  who  refuse  to  sign  them,  their  names,  the  companies 
and  regiments  to  which  they  respectively  belong,  are  to  be  reported 
to  the  Commander-in-chief  without  delay. 

Mr.  John  Goddard  is  appointed  by  the  Commander-in-chief  wagon- 
master-general  to  the  army  of  the  twelve  United  Colonies,  and  is  to  be 
obeyed  as  such. 

Head-quarters , August  10th , 1775. 

Parole,  “ Schoolkill  ” ; countersign.  “ Richmond.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Johonnot. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Brooks. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

It  is  a matter  of  exceeding  great  concern  to  the  General  to  find,  that, 
at  a time  when  the  united  efforts  of  America  are  exerting  in  defence 
of  the  common  rights  and  liberties  of  mankind,  that  there  should  be  in 
an  army  constituted  for  so  noble  a purpose  such  repeated  instances  of 
officers,  who,  lost  to  every  sense  of  honor  and  virtue,  are  seeking,  by 
dirty  and  base  means,  the  promotion  of  their  own  dishonest  gain,  to 
the  eternal  disgrace  of  themselves,  and  dishonor  of  their  country. 
Practices  of  this  sort  will  never  be  overlooked,  whenever  an  accusation 
is  lodged  ; but  the  authors  brought  to  the  most  exemplary  punishment. 
It  is  therefore  much  to  be  wished  that  the  example  of  Jessee  Saunders, 
late  captain  in  Colonel  Sargeant’s  regiment,  will  prove  the  last  shame- 
ful instance  of  such  a grovelling  disposition ; and  that  for  the  future, 
every  officer,  for  his  own  honor  and  the  sake  of  [an]  injured  public,  will 
make  a point  of  detecting  every  iniquitous  practice  of  this  kind,  using 
their  utmost  endeavors  in  their  several  capacities  to  lessen  the  expense 
of  the  war  as  much  as  possible,  that  the  general  cause  in  which  we  are 
struggling  may  receive  no  injury  from  the  enormity  of  the  expense. 

The  several  paymasters  are  immediately  to  ascertain  what  pay  was 
due  to  the  different  regiments  and  corps  on  the  first  day  of  this  instant, 
that  each  man  may  receive  his  respective  due,  as  soon  as  the  money 
arrives  to  pay  them. 

It  is  earnestly  recommended  that  great  exactness  be  used  in  these 
settlements  : first,  that  no  man  goes  without  his  pay ; and,  next,  that 
not  one  farthing  more  be  drawn  than  what  is  justly  due.  After  this, 
the  pay  may  be  drawn  once  a month,  or  otherwise,  as  shall  be  found 


68 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


most  convenient.  In  the  mean  while,  the  soldiers  need  be  under  no 
apprehension  of  [not]  getting  every  farthing  that  is  justly  their  due  : it 
is  therefore  expected  that  they  do  their  duty  with  that  cheerfulness  and 
alacrity  becoming  men  who  are  contending  for  their  liberty,  property, 
and  every  thing  that  is  valuable  to  freemen  and  their  posterity. 

Head-quarters , August  11  th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Tunbridge”  ; countersign,  “ Squantum.” 

Complaint  having  been  made  by  the  inhabitants  east  of  Watertown 
that  their  gardens  are  robbed,  their  fields  laid  waste,  and  fences  de- 
stroyed ; any  persons  who  shall  for  the  future  be  detected  in  such 
flagitious,  wicked  practices,  will  be  punished  without  mercy. 

The  Commander-in-chief  has  been  pleased  to  appoint  Stephen 
Moylan,  Esq.,  to  be  muster-master-general  to  the  army  of  the  United 
Colonies.  He  is,  in  all  things  touching  his  duty  as  muster-master- 
general,  to  be  considered  and  obeyed  as  such. 

Head-quarters , August  1 '2th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Ulster”;  countersign,  “ Torrington.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Brickett. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Major  Austin. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Hardy. 


Head-quarters,  August  13 th,  1775. 


Parole,  “Williamsburg”;  countersign,  “Torrington.”* 

A general  court-martial  to  sit  to-morrow  morning  to  try  Colonel 
John  Mansfield,  of  the  Massachusetts  forces,  accused  by  three  of  his 
officers  of  high  crimes  and  misdemeanors.  One  brigadier-general  and 
twelve  field-officers  to  compose  the  court. 

President,  Brigadier-General  Green. 


MEMBERS. 

Colonel  James  Reed. 

Colonel  Yernum. 

Lieut. -Colonel  Wyman. 

Lieut. -Colonel  Holden. 

Major  Cudworth. 

Major  Butterick. 


Colonel  Patterson. 
Colonel  Woodbridge. 
Lieut. -Colonel  Marsh. 
Lieut.-Colonel  Miller. 
Major  Sawyer. 

Major  Angell. 


Head-quarters,  Cambridge,  August  14 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “York”;  countersign,  “Yarmouth.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Lieut.-Colonel  Johonnot. 
Officer  of  main  guard,  Major  Poor. 

Adjutant, Gibbs. 


* In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book,  the  countersign  for  August  13th  is  “ Canada,” 
which  is  probably  the  correct  reading.  In  the  copy  of  the  orders  in  4 Force’s 
“American  Archives,”  III.  250,  there  is  no  entry  under  date  of  August  12th  ; 
and  the  parole  and  countersign  for  August  13th  are  given  as  in  Colonel  Ilen- 
shaw’s  copy.  — Eds. 


1870.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


69 


Major  Thomas  Mifflin  is  appointed  quartermaster-general  to  the 
army  of  the  United  Colonies  : he  is  to  be  obeyed  as  such. 

As  the  troops  are  all  to  he  mustered  as  soon  as  possible,  the  muster- 
master-general,  Stephen  Moylan,  Esq.,  will  deliver  to  the  commanding 
offlcer  of  each  regiment  thirty  blank  muster-rolls  upon  Friday  next, 
and  directions  for  each  captain  how  he  is  to  till  up  the  blanks. 

Head-quarters,  August  loth,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Arlington  ” ; countersign,  “ Bedford.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Colonel  Prescot. 

Officer  of  the  main  guard,  Captain  - — — — . 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Fox. 

David  Henley,  Esq.,  is  appointed  brigade-major  to  General  Heath’s 
brigade. 

John  Trumbull,  Esq.,  is  appointed  brigade-major  to  General  Spen- 
cer’s brigade. 

Richard  Cary,  Esq.,  is  appointed  brigade-major  to  the  brigade  com- 
manded by  the  eldest  colonel. 

Daniel  Box  and  James  Scammell,  Esqs.,*  are  appointed  to  continue 
to  do  the  duty  of  brigade-majors  to  the  brigades  to  which  they  respec- 
tively belong. 

Edmund  Randolph  aud  George  Bayler,  Esqs.,  are  appointed  aides- 
de-camp  to  the  Commander-in-chief. 

All  and  every  of  the  above-named  gentlemen  to  be  obeyed  in  their 
respective  capacities. 

The  Quartermaster-General  is,  without  delay,  to  examine  the  encamp- 
ments aud  coverings  of  the  different  regiments  and  corps,-  to  see  that 
those  which  are  not  designed  to  remain  in  houses  are  provided  as  soon 
as  possible  with  tents  or  boards  sufficient  for  their  accommodation  ; at 
the  same  time,  he  is  to  take  care  to  prevent  any  unnecessary  waste  of 
the  latter,  and  to  put  a stop  to  the  officers  building  such  large  houses 
as  some  of  them  are  doing,  unless  they  are  intended  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  a number  sufficient  to  fill  them,  or  are  built  at  their  own 
expense ; but  no  large  houses  to  be  placed  near  any  of  the  redoubts  or 
lines. 

In  addition  to  the  order  of  the  4th  instant,  the  colonel  or  command- 
ing officer  of  each  regiment  and  corps  is  to  cause  an  exact  account  to 
be  taken  (by  his  captains)  of  the  number  of  cartridges  which  each 
man  is  possessed  of,  and  at  evening  roll-calling  have  them  examined, 
as  directed  in  the  said  order,  when,  if  any  are  wanting  and  cannot  be 
accounted  for,  the  delinquent,  over  and  above  the  punishment  due  to 


* The  copy  in  4 Force’s  “ American  Archives,”  III.  250,  names  also  Thomas 
Chase,  who  is  mentioned  in  both  Henshaw  and  Force’s  copies  of  the  orders  of 
August  17th  in  similar  terms.  Chase  is  not  named  in  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book 
under  either  date;  but  under  August  17th  Fenno’s  copy  reads,  “Samuel 
Brewer,  Esq.,  is  to  continue  to  do  the  duty  of  brigade-major  to  General 
Thomas’s  brigade.”  A similar  entry  appears  in  Henshaw’s  copy  under  date 
of  August  30th.  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  was  no  doubt  transcribed  at  a later 
date,  after  the  original  mistake  had  been  rectified.  — Eds. 


70 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


his  offence,  is  to  be  charged  with  the  deficiency,  and  so  much  of  his 
pay  stopped  accordingly. 

Head-quarters,  August  16 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Cumberland  ” ; countersign,  “ Dunstable.” 

Captain  Eleazer  Lindsey,  of  Colonel  Gerrish’s  regiment,  tried  by  a 
general  court-martial  for  absenting  himself  from  his  post,  which  was 
attacked  and  abandoned  to  the  enemy  ; the  court,  on  consideration,  are 
of  opinion  that  Captain  Lindsey  be  discharged  the  service,  as  a person 
improper  to  sustain  a commission. 

John  Parke,  Esq.,  is  appointed  an  assistant  to  the  Quartermaster- 
General  : he  is  to  be  obeyed  as  such. 

Head-quarters,  August  Ylih,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Exeter  ” ; countersign,  “ Falkland.” 

Thomas  Chase,  Esq.,  is  to  continue  to  do  duty  as  a major  of  bri- 
gade, to  Brigadier-General  Thomas’s  brigade. 

Mr.  Ezekiel  Cheever  is  appointed  commissary  of  artillery  stores. 
The  Quartermaster-General,  Commissary-General,  and  Commissary  of 
Artillery  are  to  make  exact  returns  of  all  the  stores,  provisions,  and 
necessaries  of  every  kind  within  their  several  departments;  and  they 
are  to  lose  no  time  in  collecting  the  several  articles  which,  may  be  in 
the  hands  of  committees  or  other  persons  into  their  immediate  care, 
and  they  are  to  be  answerable  for  the  disposal  of  them. 

The  commanding  officer  of  artillery  is  to  see  that  all  the  ordnance 
stores  are  faithfully  collected,  and  put  under  the  care  of  the  commissary 
of  the  artillery  ; and  the  commissary  of  artillery  is  to  see  that  all  the 
powder,  lead,  and  flints  are  placed  in  the  magazines  appointed  to  re- 
ceive them. 

The  muster-master-general,  Stephen  Moylan,  Esq.,  to  proceed  as 
expeditiously  as  possible  in  mustering  the  troops ; and,  when  he  has 
delivered  his  blank  rolls  to  the  several  regiments  and  corps,  he  is  to 
fix  the  days  for  mustering  each  brigade,  with  the  Adjutant-General,  who 
will  give  directions  accordingly. 

The  army  being  regularly  brigaded,  and  a major  of  brigade  appointed 
and  fixed  to  each  brigade,  they  are  to  keep  an  exact  roster  of  duty  for 
the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  soldiers  of  their  respective 
brigades.  The  Adjutant-General  will  assist  them  with  the  best  form  of 
a roster,  and  earnestly  recommend  the  use  thereof.  All  duties  of 
honor  begin  with  the  eldest  officer  of  each  rank,  and  duties  of  fatigue 
with  the  youngest.  Each  major  of  brigade  will  forthwith  fix  upon  a 
proper  spot,  as  near  as  can  be  to  the  centre  of  the  brigade,  for  a gen- 
eral parade  of  the  brigade,  where  all  parties  with  or  without  arms  are 
to  be  regularly  paraded  and  march  off  in  presence  of  the  major  of 
brigade ; and  the  General  expects  that  the  majors  of  brigade  are  not 
only  alert,  but  exact,  in  the  performance  of  this  duty. 

The  court-martial  ordered  for  the  trial  of  Colonel  Mansfield  to  sit 
to-morrow  morning  at  eight  o’clock,  at  the  college  chapel,  for  the  trial 


1376.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


71 


of  Colonel  Gerrish.  All  evidences  and  persons  concerned  to  attend 
the  court. 

Head-quarters,  August  18 tli,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Gloucester  ” ; countersign,  “ Hartford.” 

John  Connor,  of  Captain  Oliver’s  company,  Colonel  Doolittle’s  regi- 
ment, tried  at  a general  court-martial  for  stealing  a cheese,  the  prop- 
erty of  Richard  Cornel,*  is  found  guilty  of  the  charge,  and  adjudged  to 
receive  thirty-nine  lashes  upon  his  bare  back.  The  General  approves 
the  sentence,  and  orders  it  to  be  executed  at  the  relieving  the  main 
guard,  at  the  bead  of  the  two  guards. 

Joseph  Matthews,  of  Captain  Perkins’s  company  of  artillery,  tried 
by  the  same  general  court-martial  for  selling  his  gun,  which  the  select- 
men of  his  town  had  given  him,  and  drawing  pay  for  a blanket,  fur- 
nished by  said  selectmen.  The  court  sentence  the  prisoner  to  receive 
ten  lashes  upon  his  bare  hack,  and  order  twelve  shillings  to  be  stopped 
from  his  wages,  to  repay  Captain  Perkins  for  the  blanket.  The  Gen- 
eral approves  the  sentence,  and  orders  it  to  be  executed  at  the  head 
of  the  guards  where  the  company  the  prisoner  belongs  to  is  posted. 

Head-quarters,  August  19 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Jersey  ” ; countersign,  “ Kendal.” 

Colonel  Samuel  Gerrish,  of  the  Massachusetts  forces,  tried  by  a 
general  court-martial,  of  which  Brigadier-General  Green  was  president, 
is  unanimously  found  guilty  of  the  charge  exhibited  against  him,  — 
that  he  behaved  unworthy  an  officer,  [and|]  that  he  is  guilty  of  a breach 
of  the  forty-ninth  article  of  the  Rules  and  Regulations  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Army.  The  court  therefore  sentence  and  adjudge  the  said 
Colonel  Gerrish  to  be  cashiered,  and  rendered  incapable  of  any  em- 
ployment in  the  American  army.  The  General  approves  the  sentence 
of  the  court-martial,  and  orders  it  to  take  place  immediately. 

Head-quarters,  August  20 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Lebanon”;  countersign,  “Mansfield.” 

In  obedience  to  the  orders  of  the  5th  instant,  the  brigadier-general 
and  field-officers  chosen  by  ballot  have  made  report  to  his  Excellency 
the  Commander-in-chief  of  the  final  settlement  of  the  rank  of  all  the 
regiments  and  offi.  ers  in  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies.  The  Gen- 
eral entirely  approves  of  the  proceedings  of  the  brigadiers  and  the  field- 
officers,  and  thanks  them  in  this  public  manner  for  the  great  care  and 
pains  they  have  taken  in  establishing  a point  of  so  much  importance  to 
the  army.  His  Excellency  strictly  commands  all  officers  and  soldiers 
to  pay  all  due  obedience  to  the  regulation  so  established. 

The  Adjutant-General  will  deliver  to  each  major  of  brigade,  this  day, 


* In  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book,  the  name  is  “ Campbell  in  4 Force’s  “Amer- 
ican Archives,”  III.  252,  it  is  “ Cornell,”  which  may,  perhaps,  be  the  name 
intended  by  Colonel  Henshaw. — Eds. 

t Supplied  from  Fenno’s  Orderly  Book.  — Eds. 


72 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


rocr. 


at  orderly-time,  a copy  of  the  rank  of  the  regiments,  of  the  field-officers, 
and  of  the  officers  of  every  regiment  in  their  respective  brigades. 

A court  of  inquiry  to  sit  this  day,  a't  three  in  the  afternoon,  to  ex- 
amine into  the  reasons  of  a complaint  exhibited  against  Colonel  Eben- 
ezer  Bridge. 

Brigadier-General  Heath,  President. 

MEMBERS. 

Colonel  Prescott.  Colonel  Woodbridge.- 

Colonel  Sargeant.  Lieut.-Colonel  Johonnot. 

Head-quarters , August  21  st,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Norfolk”  ; countersign,  “ Oporto.” 

The  court  of  inquiry  ordered  to  sit  yesterday  upon  Colonel  Ebenr 
Bridge,  to  sit  this  day,  at  three  o’clock,  p.m. 

Michael  Berry,  tried  by  a late  general  court-martial  for  stealing  a 
hat  from  Captain  Waterman,  is  found  guilty,  and  sentenced  to  receive 
thirty  lashes ; but,  in  consideration  of  his  long  confinement,  the  Gen- 
eral pardons  the  prisoner. 

General  Sullivan’s  brigade  to  be  mustered  to-morrow : the  muster- 
master-general  to  begin  with  the  regiment  posted  on  the  left  of  the 
lines  exactly  at  six  o’clock,  with  the  next  regiment  on  the  left  at 
seven  o’clock,  and  so  on,  until  the  whole  are  mustered.  The  field 
and  staff  officers  of  each  regiment  are  to  be  mustered  in  the  eldest 
captain’s  company ; and  such  as  were  drafted  to  the  regiment  of  artil- 
lery are  to  be  mustered  only  to  the  day  they  were  drafted.  The  regi- 
ment of  artillery  to  muster  them  from  that  time. 

A sergeant,  corporal,  and  nine  men  to  mount  guard  to-morrow 
morning,  at  Mr.  Fairweather’s  house,  lately  converted  into  an  hospi- 
tal. The  sergeant  to  receive  his  order  from  Dr.  Church,  director  of 
the  hospital. 

Head-quarters , August  22d,  1775. 

Parole,  “Portsmouth”;  countersign,  “Quincy.” 

As  the  muster-rolls  cannot  be  properly  prepared  before  Saturday 
next,  the  General  defers  the  mustering  of  the  brigade  upon  the  left  of 
the  lines  until  next  Monday,  when  the  mustering  the  whole  will  take 
place  without  interruption. 

Captain  Pearl,  of  Colonel  Woodbridge’s  regiment,  tried  by  a general 
court-martial,  for  defrauding  his  men  of  their  pay.  The  court  are 
unanimously  of  opinion  that  the  complaint  is  in  no  part  supported, 
and,  being  vexatious  and  groundless,  acquit  Captain  Pearl.  The 
court  order  the  chief  complainant,  Daniel  Davids,  to  be  confined. 

The  General  does  not  mean  to  discourage  the  practice  of  bathing 
whilst  the  weather  is  warm  enough  to  continue  it,  but  he  expressly 
forbids  any  person’s  doing  it  at  or  near  the  bridge  in  Cambridge,  where 
it  has  been  observed  and  conqulained  of  that  many  men,  lost  to  all 
sense  of  decency  and  common  modesty,  are  running  about  naked  upon 
the  bridge,  while  passengers,  and  even  ladies  of  the  first  fashion  in  the 


1376.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


73 


neighborhood,  are  passing  over  it,  as  if  they  meant  to  glory  in  their 
shame.  The  guard  and  sentries  at  the  bridge  are  to  put  a stop  to  this 
practice,  for  the  future. 

The  director-general  of  the  hospital  having  complained  that  the 
sick  under  his  care  are  not  only  incommoded  by  a promiscuous  resort 
of  soldiers  to  the  rooms,  but  greatly  injured  by  having  improper  things 
carried  them  to  eat;  at  the  same  time,  that  many  disorders,  under 
which  the  sick  are  suffering,  may  be  by  them  contracted  and  spread  in 
the  camp,  by  means  of  this  intercourse,  — it  is  therefore  ordered,  that 
this  improper  visitation  be  put  a stop  to  for  the  future.  No  non- 
commissioned officer  or  soldier  to  be  admitted  into  the  hospital  here- 
after, without  the  leave  of  the  surgeon  then  in  attendance,  or  by  a 
written  license  from  the  colonel  or  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment 
they  belong  to  ; in  either  of  which  case,  the  friends  to  the  sick,  and 
all  those  who  have  any  real  business  with  them,  will  never  be  denied 
the  privilege  and  satisfaction  of  visiting. 

Representation  being  made  to  the  Commander-in-chief  that  officers 
are  frequently  seen  in  Cambridge,  Watertown,  and  the  towns  and  vil- 
lages around  the  camp,  without  any  leave  of  absence  previously 
obtained,  and  contrary  to  all  good  discipline  and  order;  and  as  such 
irregularity  at  this  time  may  be  productive  of  the  worst  of  conse- 
quences, the  General  directs  the  commanding  officers  of  corps  to  be 
particularly  attentive  to  the  behavior  of  all  their  officers  in  this  par- 
ticular, and,  without  favor  or  affection,  confine  any  officers  who  are 
absent  from  the  camp,  or  the  lines  where  he  is  posted  or  encamped, 
without  leave,  in  writing,  first  had  and  obtained  from  the  general  com- 
manding the  brigade ; and  the  commanding  officers  of  regiments 
are  strictly  enjoined  to  put  in  arrest  any  officer  who  shall  for  the 
future  disobey  this  order. 

When  officers  set  good  examples,  it  may  be  expected  that  the  men 
will,  with  zeal  and  alacrity,  follow  them  ; but  it  would  be  mere  phe- 
nomenon in  nature  to  find  a well-disciplined  soldiery  where  officers  are 
relaxed  and  tardy  in  their  duty  ; nor  can  they,  with  any  kind  of  pro- 
priety or  good  conscience,  sit  in  judgment  upon  a soldier  for  disobey- 
ing an  order  which  they  themselves  are  every  day  breaking.  The 
General  is  sorry  — - exceeding  sorry  — to  find  occasion  to  give  such  re- 
peated orders  on  this  head.  But  as  the  safety  of  the  army  and  salvation 
of  the  country  may  essentially  depend  upon  a strictness  of  discipline, 
and  close  attention  to  duty,  he  will  give  no  countenance  nor  show  any 
favor  to  delinquents. 

Head-quarters , August  23 d,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Rttmney”  ; countersign,  “ Summersett.” 

Head-quarters,  August  24 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Tunbridge”;  countersign,  “Ulster.” 

Lieutenant  Wm  Ryan,  of  Colonel  Nixon’s  regiment,  tried  by  a 
general  court-martial,  of  which  Lieut-Colonel  Brickett  was  president, 
is  found  guilty  of  a breach  of  the  sixth  and  forty-ninth  articles  of 

10 


74 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETYL 


[Oct. 


the  Rules  and  Regulations  of  the  Massachusetts  Army,  and  is  unani- 
mously adjudged  to  be  cashiered.  The  General  approves  the  sen- 
tence, and  orders  it  to  take  place  immediately. 

The  Quartermaster- General  is  to  see  that  the  different  brigades,  or 
at  least  each  division  of  the  army,  are  provided  with  armorers  suffi- 
cient to  keep  the  arms  therein  in  proper  repair ; that  they  have 
proper  places  provided  to  work  in ; that  they  are  properly  attended, 
to  prevent  impositions  of  any  kind. 

He  is  also  to  employ  brick-makers,  under  the  care  of  Captain  Fran- 
cis, of  Colonel  Mansfield’s  regiment,  and  set  them  to  make  bricks, 
immediately.  The  necessary  attendance  is  to  be  applied  for,  by  Cap- 
tain Francis,  to  the  Adjutant-General. 

The  Quartermaster-General  is  also  to  receive  from  the  general  court 
of  the  Massachusetts  government,  or  from  such  persons  as  they  shall 
appoint  to  deliver  them,  all  the  shirts,  shoes  and  stockings,  breeches 
and  waistcoats,  which  have  been  provided  by  the  Committee  of  Safety 
for  the  use  of  the  army,  and  settle  for  the  same,  and  not  deliver  any 
from  his  store  without  an  order  in  writing  from  the  Commander-in- 
chief. 

An  exact  return  of  the  company  of  artificers,  under  the  care  of  Mr. 
Ayres,  to  be  given  in,  where  they  have  been  at  work,  and  how  em- 
ployed. 

The  General  would  be  glad>  to  have  the  Rules  and  Regulations  of 
War  (as  established  by  the  Continental  Congress)  returned  to  him, 
signed,  as  he  will  thereupon  proceed  to  distribute  the  Continental 
commissions  agreeable  to  the  ranks  lately  settled.  The  late  paymaster 
of  the  Massachusetts  troops  is  once  morq  called  upon  in  a peremptory 
manner  to  settle  his  accounts  with  the  different  regiments,  that  it  may 
be  known  what  money  is  due  to  the  men,  up  to  the  first  of  this  month 
(August).  The  General  is  very  sorry  that  any  difficulty  or  delay 
should  have  happened  in  a matter  so  plain  and  simple  in  its  nature. 
He  now  assures  the  regiments  of  the  Massachusetts,  — as  they  seem 
to  be  the  only  complainants  and  sufferers,  — that  if  they  do  not  get  paid 
by  their  own  colony  paymaster  before  the  first  day  of  September,  that 
he  will  order  James  Warren,  Esq.,  Continental  paymaster-general,  to 
pay  each  of  the  Massachusetts  regiments  for  the  month  of  August ; 
and  that  he  will,  moreover,  use  his  endeavors  to  have  their  pay,  up  to 
the  first  of  August,  settled  for  and  adjusted  as  soon  as  possible. 

Twenty  men  from  Colonel  Mansfield’s  regiment,  and  ten  from  Colonel 
Gardner’s,  and  two  from  each  of  the  other  regiments  in  the  lines  and 
in  Cambridge,  to  be  sent  to  join  Captain  Francis,  of  Colonel  Mansfield’s 
regiment,  to  be  forthwith  employed  in  making  bricks.  None  but  men 
who  are  acquainted  with  that  service  to  be  sent  upon  it. 

Colonel  Prescott,  with  two  companies  of  his  regiment,  to  march  to 
Sewall’s  Point  this  day.  The  Colonel  will  apply  to  the  Quartermaster- 
General  for  the  tents  that  will  be  wanted  for  this  detachment. 

Head-quarters , August  25th , 1775. 

Parole,  “Wilmington”;  countersign,  “Yorkshire.” 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


75 

If  the  officers  who  were  sent  upon  the  recruiting  service  are  not  all 
returned  to  camp,  they  are  to  be  forthwith  recalled,  and  no  more  men 
are  to  be  enlisted  until  further  orders. 

The  company  late  under  the  command  of  Captain  Ebenezer  Lind- 
sey is  to  join  Colonel  "NVoodbridge’s  regiment,  as  that  regiment  has 
at  present  only  nine  companies. 

As  the  Commander-in-chief  has  heretofore  approved  all  the  sentences 
of  the  general  court-martials  which  have  been  laid  before  him,  and 
thought  himself  happy  in  agreeing  with  them  in  opinion,  so  will  he 
not  now  disapprove  the  judgment  respecting  Ensign  Joshua  Trofton,  as 
the  court  have  intimated  that  they  were  influenced  by  some  favorable 
circumstances.  Disobedience  of  orders  is  amongst  the  first  and  most 
atrocious  of  all  military  crimes.  He  desires  that  the  conduct  of  En- 
sign Joshua  Trofton,  however  he  may  have  been  provoked,  may  never 
be  drawn  into  a precedent,  as  there  are  certain  modes  by  which  inferior 
officers  may  obtain  redress  of  grievances  without  proceeding  to  any 
unjustifiable  acts  of  violence. 

Ensign  Joshua  Trofton,  of  30th  regiment  of  foot,  in  the  service  of 
the  United  Colonies,  commanded  by  Colonel  Scammons,  tried  by  a 
general  court-martial  for  offering  to  strike  his  colonel,  and  for  disobe- 
dience of  orders,  is  found  guilty  of  a breach  of  the  sixth  article  of  the 
Rules  and  Regulations  of  the  Massachusetts  Army,  and  sentenced  to 
be  confined  to  his  tent  for  three  days. 

A return,  signed  by  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regiment,  of  the 
commissioned  officers  vacant ; distinguishing  their  names,  rank,  and 
by  what  means  vacant.  This  must  be  delivered  to  the  Adjutant-Gen- 
eral, at  orderly  time  to-morrow. 

Head-quarters , August  26th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Amboy  ” ; countersign,  “ Brookltne.” 

General  Sullivan’s  brigade  to  be  mustered  upon  Monday  morning 
next,  in  the  manner  and  form  directed  by  the  general  orders  of  the 
21st  instant. 

Head-quarters,  August  27th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Colchester  ” ; countersign,  “ Dover.” 

Head-quarters , August  28th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Essex  ” ; countersign,  “Falmouth.” 

As  the  extraordinary  duty  necessary  for  some  days  past  prevents 
the  mustering  General  Sullivan’s  brigade  this  morning,  the  General 
appoints  Friday  morning  next  for  that  purpose,  and  orders  that  bri- 
gade to  be  relieved  from  all  but  the  necessary  camp  duty  of  their  par- 
ticular encampments  Thursday  morning,  that  they  [may]  have  that  day 
to  prepare  for  their  mustering. 

As  nothing  is  more  pernicious  to  the  health  of  soldiers,  nor  more 
certainly  productive  of  the  bloody  flux,  than  drinking  new  cider,  the 
General,  in  the  most  positive  manner,  commands  the  entire  disuse  of 
the  same;  and  orders  the  Quartermaster- General  this  day  to  publish 
advertisements  to  acquaint  the  inhabitants  of  the  surrounding  districts, 


76 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


that  such  of  them  as  are  detected  bringing  new  cider  into  the  camp, 
after  Thursday,  the  last  day  of  this  month,  may  depend  on  having  their 
casks  stove. 

Head-quarters,  August  29lh,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Georgia.  ” ; countersign,  “ Harvard.” 

For  the  future,  the  several  guards  mounted  upon  the  general  hos- 
pitals are  to  be  reduced  into  one  guard,  consisting  of  one  subaltern, 
three  sergeants,  one  fife,  three  corporals,  and  thirty  men.  The  officer, 
after  seeing  his  sentries  posted,  is  to  receive  his  orders  from  Dr.  Church, 
director-general  of  the  hospital  of  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies. 
The  Quartermaster-General  and  Commissary-General  are  to  see  strict 
regard  paid  to  the  sixth  article  of  the  General  Orders  of  the  7th  July 
last,  as  complaints  are  continually  making  of  the  badness  of  the  bread 
served  to  the  regiments. 

Head-quarters , August  30 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Ireland  ” ; countersign,  “ Kingston.” 

One  field-officer,  six  captains,  twelve  subalterns,  twelve  sergeants, 
twelve  corporals,  two  drums,  two  fifes,  and  three  hundred  soldiers  from 
Heath’s  brigade,  and  the  same  from  the  Cambridge  brigade,  to  parade 
as  soon  as  the  weather  is  fair,  to  march  to  Ploughed  Hill.  One  sur- 
geon and  one  mate  from  each  brigade,  to  be  provided  with  proper  in- 
struments and  dressings,  are  to  be  ready  to  march  with  the  above 
detachment. 

By  the  orders  of  the  17th  instant,  Thomas  Chase,  Esq.,  was,  to  the 
prejudice  of  Samuel  Brewer,  Esq.,  through  mistake,  appointed  to  be 
continued  to  do  duty  to  Brigadier-General  Thomas’s  brigade,  as  major 
of  brigade.  His  Excellency  orders  that  mistake  to  be  rectified,  and 
directs  Samuel  Brewer  to  be  continued  to  act  as  major  of  brigade  to 
Brigadier-General  Thomas.  He  is  to  be  obeyed  as  such. 

Head-quarters,  August  3 1st,  1775. 

Parole,  “ London  ” ; countersign,  “Monmouth.” 

The  colonel  or  officer  commanding  each  regiment  of  the  Massachu- 

o o 

setts  forces  are,  without  delay,  to  make  out  an  exact  abstract  for  the 
month  of  August  of  the  pay  due  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  each 
regiment,  who  were  effective  in  the  said  regiment  during  that  month, 
and  who  now  continue  to  be  effective  in  the  same.  This  abstract  must 
be  signed  by  the  colonel  or  officer  commanding  each  regiment  of  the 
Massachusetts,  and  forthwith  delivered  by  him  to  the  Commander- 
in-chief,  to  the  end  that  each  of  those  regiments  may  immediately  be 
paid  one  month’s  pay. 

Head-quarters,  September  1st,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Newhaven  ” ; countersign,  “ Ormond.” 

Complaint  has  been  made  to  the  General  that  the  body  of  a soldier 
of  Colonel  Woodbridge’s  regiment  has  been  taken  from  his  grave  by 
persons  unknown.  The  General  and  friends  of  the  deceased  are  desir- 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


77 


ous  of  all  the  information  that  can  be  given  of  the  perpetrators  of  this 
abominable  crime,  that  he  or  they  may  be  made  an  example,  to  deter 
others  from  committing-  so  wicked  and  shameful  an  offence. 

The  magazine  guard  in  the  rear  of  General  Sullivan’s  brigade  to 
be  relieved  to-morrow  morning. 

Head-quarters , September  2 d,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Portugal  ” ; countersign,  “ Quebec.” 

Captain  Edward  Crafts,  of  Colonel  Gridley’s  regiment  of  artillery, 
tried  yesterday  by  a general  court-martial,  is  acquitted  of  that  part  of 
the  charge  against  him  which  relates  to  defrauding  of  his  men ; and  the 
court  are  also  of  opinion  that  no  part  of  the  charge  against  the  pris- 
oner is  proved,  except  that  of  using  abusive  expressions  to  Major 
Gridley,  which,  being  a breach  of  the  forty-ninth  article  of  the  Rules 
and  Regulations  for  the  Massachusetts  Army,  sentence  the  prisoner  to 
receive  a severe  reprimand  from  the  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  artillery, 
in  the  presence  of  all  the  officers  of  the  regiment,  and  that  he  at  the 
same  time  ask  pardon  of  Major  Gridley  for  the  said  abusive  language. 

Lieutenant  Russell,  of  Captain  Symond’s  company,  in  the  twenty-first 
regiment  of  foot,  tried  by  the  above  court-martial  for  disobedience  of 
orders,  is  unanimously  acquitted  by  the  court. 

The  General  confirms  the  proceedings  and  sentence  of  the  above 
court-martial. 

Head-quarters , September  3d,  1775. 

Parole,  “Roxbury”;  countersign,  “ Schenactady.” 

Benjamin  Child,  soldier  in  Colonel  Glover's  regiment,  and  in  Cap- 
tain Broughton’s  company,  tried  by  a general  court-martial,  upon  an 
appeal  from  a regimental  court-martial.  The  court  were  unanimously 
of  opinion  the  proceeding  of  the  regimental  court-martial  was  irreg- 
ular, and  therefore  acquit  the  prisoner. 

Head-quarters , September  4 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Torrington  ” ; countersign,  “ Urbanna.”  * 

Head-quarters,  September  oth,  1775. 

Parole,  “Waltham”  ; countersign,  “ York.” 

The  general  court-martial  whereof  Colonel  Experience  Storrs  was 
president  is  dissolved.  Captain  Moses  Hart,  of  the  twenty-eighth 
regiment  of  foot,  tried  by  the  above-mentioned  general  court-martial, 
is  found  guilty  of  drawing  for  more  provisions  than  he  was  entitled  to, 
and  for  unjustly  confining  and  abusing  his  men.  He  is  unanimously 
sentenced  to  be  cashiered.  The  General  approves  the  sentence,  and 
orders  it  to  take  place  immediately.  A detachment,  consisting  of  two 
lieutenant-colonels,  two  majors,  ten  captains,  thirty  subalterns,  thirty 
sergeants,  thirty  corporals,  four  drummers,  two  fifers,  and  six  hundred 
and  seventy -six  privates,  to  parade  to-morrow  morning  at  eleven  o’clock, 


* Fenno’s  Orderly  Book  reads  “ Albany.”  — Eds. 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


upon  the  Common  in  Cambridge,  to  go  upon  command  with  Colonel 
Arnold,  of  Connecticut.  One  company  of  Virginia  riflemen,  and  two 
companies  from  Colonel  Thompson’s  Pennsylvania  regiment  of  rifle- 
men, to  parade  at  the  same  time  and  place,  to  join  the  above  detach- 
ment. Tents  and  necessaries  proper  and  convenient  for  the  whole  will 
be  supplied  by  the  Quartermaster-General  immediately  upon  the  de- 
tachment being  collected.  As  it  is  imagined  the  officers  and  men  sent 
from  the  regiments,  both  here  and  at  Roxbury,  will  be  sucli  volunteers 
as  are  active  woodsmen,  and  well  acquainted  with  bateaux,  so  it  is  rec- 
ommended that  none  but  such  will  offer  themselves  for  this  service. 
Colonel  Arnold  and  the  Adjutaut-General  will  attend  upon  the  Com- 
mon in  Cambridge  to-morrow,  in  the  forenoon,  to  receive  and  parade 
their  detachments.  The  Quartermaster-General  will  be  also  there,  to 
supply  tents,  &c. 

The  colonels  and  commanding  officers  of  the  Massachusetts  regj- 
ments  who  have  delivered  in  the  pay  abstracts  at  head-quarters  are 
immediately  to  apply  to  the  General  for  his  warrant  upon  the  Pay- 
master-General, James  Warren,  Esq.,  for  the  pay  for  the  month  of 
August,  agreeable  to  the  General  Order  of  the  3 1st  of  last  month. 

As  great  complaints  have  heretofore  been  made  by  the  men  in  regard 
to  their  pay,  the  General  expects  the  utmost  exactness  and  despatch  be 
made  in  this  payment. 

Head-quarters , September  6th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Albany”  ; countersign,  “ Bolingbroke.” 

Whereas,  a number  of  pretended  sutlers,  utterly  disregarding  the 
good  of  the  service,  sell  liquor  to  every  one  indiscriminately,  to  the 
utter  subversion  of  all  order  and  good  government,  the  troops  being 
continually  debauched,  which  causes  them  to  neglect  their  duty,  and 
to  be  guilty  of  all  those  crimes  which  a vicious  ill  habit  naturally  pro- 
duces : to  prevent  such  evils  from  spreading  in  the  camp,  no  person 
is  for  the  future  to  presume  to  sell  any  stores  or  liquor  to  the  troops, 
unless  he  be  first  appointed  sutler  to  some  regiment  by  the  colonel  or 
officer  commanding  the  same,  who  will  immediately  punish  such  sutler 
for  any  transgression  of  the  rules  and  orders  he  is  directed  to  observe. 
And  if  any  person,  not  regularly  authorized  and  appointed,  shall  pre- 
sume to  sell  liquor  or  stores  to  the  troops  in  the  camp,  it  is  recom- 
mended to  the  Brigadier- General  to  issue  an  order  for  securing  their 
persons  and  effects : the  delinquent  to  be  punished  at  the  discretion  of 
a general  court-martial,  and  his  effects  to  be  applied  for  the  refresh- 
ment of  the  fatigue-men  and  out-guards  belonging  to  the  brigade.  This 
order  is  not  meant  to  extend  to  those  sutlers  who  are  appointed  by 
government,  and  who  are  permitted  to  act  as  sutlers  to  the  regiments 
for  which  they  were  appointed,  they  being  subject  to  all  rules  and  regu- 
lations of  the  army,  the  same  as  if  appointed  by  the  colonels. 

As  the  remoteness  of  some  of  the  regiments  from  head-quarters 
renders  it  difficult  to  send  invitations  to  the  officers,  the  Commander- 
in-chief  requests,  for  the  future,  that  the  field-officer  of  the  day,  the 
officer  of  his  own  guard,  and  the  adjutant  of  the  day,  consider  them- 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


79 


selves  invited  to  dine  at  head-quarters  ; and  this  general  invitation 
they  are  desired  to  accept  accordingly. 

Head-quarters , September  7th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Cambridge”;  countersign,  “Dorchester.” 

Repeated  complaints  being  made  by  the  regimental  surgeons  that 
they  are  not  all  allowed,  proper  necessaries  for  the  use  of  the  sick, 
before  they  become  fit  objects  for  the  general  hospital ; and  the  di- 
rector-general of  the  hospital  complains,  that,  contrary  to  the  rules 
of  every  established  army,  these  regimental  hospitals  are  more  expen- 
sive than  can  be  conceived,  which  plainly  indicates  that  there  is  either 
an  unpardonable  abuse  on  one  side,  or  an  inexcusable  neglect  on  the 
other  ; and  whereas,  the  General  is  exceeding  desirous  of  having  the 
utmost  care  taken  of  the  sick  (wherever  placed,  and  in  every  stage 
of  their  disorder),  but  at  the  same  time  is  determined  not  to  suffer 
any  impositions  upon  the  public  : he  requires,  and  orders,  that  the 
brigadier-general,  with  the  commanding  officers  of  each  regiment  in 
the  brigade,  do  sit  as  a court  of  inquiry  into  the  causes  of  these  com- 
plaints, and  that  they  summon  the  director-general  of  the  hospital 
and  their  several  regimental  surgeons  before  them,  and  have  the  whole 
matter  investigated  and  reported.  This  inquiry  to  begin  on  the  left  of 
the  line  to-morrow,  at  the  hour  of  ten,  in  General  Sullivan’s  brigade. 

When  a soldier  is  so  sick  that  it  is  no  longer  safe  or  proper  for  him 
to  remain  in  camp,  he  should  be  sent  to  the  general  hospital.  There 
is  no  need  of  regimental  hospitals  without  the  camp,  when  there  is  a 
general  hospital  so  near,  and  so  well  appointed. 

Colonel  Thompson’s  regiment  of  riflemen  to  be  mustered  to-morrow 
morning,  at  seven  o’clock.  General  Green’s  brigade  to  be  mustered 
Saturday  morning,  at  the  same  hour.  This  corps  are  to  be  one  day  off 
duty  previous  to  their  being  mustered. 

Head-quarters,  September  8th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Edenton  ” ; countersign,  “ Falkland.” 

Captain  Perry,  of  Colonel  Walker’s  regiment,  tried  by  a general 
court-martial  whereof  Colonel  Alden  was  president,  for  permitting 
persons  to  pass  the  lines  on  Boston  Neck,  is  found  guilty  of  the  crime 
laid  to  his  charge ; but,  from  alleviating  circumstances,  is  sentenced  to 
be  severely  reprimanded  at  the  head  of  his  regiment.  The  General 
approves  the  sentence,  and  orders  it  to  be  put  in  execution  accordingly. 

The  detachments  going  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Arnold  to  be 
forthwith  taken  off  the  roll  of  duty,  and  to  march  this  evening  to 
Cambridge  Common,  where  tents,  and  every  thing  necessary,  is  pro- 
vided for  their  reception.  The  rifle  company  at  Roxbury  and  those 
from  Prospect  Hill  to  march  early  to-morrow  morning  to  join  the 
above  detachment.  Such  officers  and  men  as  are  taken  from  General 
Green’s  brigade  for  the  above  detachment  are  to  attend  the  muster  of 
their  respective  regiments  to-morrow  morning,  at  seven  o’clock,  upon 
Prospect  Hill.  When  the  muster  is  finished,  they  are  forthwith  to 
rejoin  the  detachment  at  Cambridge. 


80 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


Head-quarters,  September  9th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Geneva  ” ; countersign,  “ PIartford.” 

The  major-general  commanding  the  division  of  the  army  posted 
between  Prospect  Hill  and  Cambridge  River  is  to  be  very  exact  in 
obliging  the  colonel  and  field-officers  to  lay  in  the  encampment  of  their 
respective  regiments,  and  particularly  the  colonel  and  lieutenant-colo- 
nel of  the  thirtieth  regiment. 

Head-quarters,  September  10 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Indostan  ” ; countersign,  “ Kendall.” 

Head-quarters,  September  11  th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ IjANCASter  ” ; countersign,  “ Middleton.” 

Colonel  Ebenr  Bridge,  of  the  twenty-seventh  regiment  of  foot,  in  the 
service  of  the  United  Colonies,  tried  at  a general  court-martial,  whereof 
Brigadier-General  Green  was  president,  for  misbehavior  and  neglect  of 
duty  in  the  action  at  Bunker’s  Hill,  on  the  17th  of  June  last.  The 
court  are  of  opinion  that  indisposition  of  body  rendered  the  prisoner 
incapable  of  action,  and  do  therefore  acquit  him. 

Ensign  Moses  How,  of  Colonel  David  Brewer’s  regiment,  tried  by 
a general  court-martial,  whereof  Colonel  Alden  was  president,  for 
contempt  of  the  service.  The  court,  after  due  examination  of  the  evi- 
dence, acquit  the  prisoner. 

Ensign  Levi  Bowen,  of  the  said  regiment,  and  tried  by  the  same 
general  court-martial  for  absconding  from  his  regiment  without  leave. 
The  court  find  the  prisoner  guilty  of  the  crime  laid  to  his  charge,  and 
do  therefore  sentence  him  to  be  cashiered. 

General  Heath’s  brigade  to  be  mustered  upon  Thursday  morning 
next,  at  seven  o’clock  ; and  Colonel  F rye’s  brigade,  upon  Saturday 
morning,  at  the  same  hour. 

Colonel  Thompson’s  battalion  of  riflemen,  posted  upon  Prospect 
Hill,  to  take  their  share  of  all  duty  of  guard  and  fatigue  with  the  bri- 
gade they  encamp  with.  A general  court-martial  to  sit  as  soon  as 
possible  to  try  the  men  of  that  regiment  who  are  now  prisoners  in 
the  main  guard  and  at  Prospect  Hill,  and  accused  of  mutinying. 

The  riflemen  posted  at  Roxbury  and  towards  Lechmere’s  Point  are 
to  do  duty  with  the  brigade  they  are  posted  with. 

The  general  court-martial  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  seven 
o’clock,  to  consist  of  three  field-officers  and  two  captains. 

Head-quarters , September  12 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Netvburt  ” ; countersign,  “ Ogden.” 

Head-quarters,  September  13 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Pembroke  ” ; countersign,  “ Quebec.” 

The  thirty-three  riflemen  of  Colonel  Thompson’s  battalion,  tried 
yesterday  by  a general  court-martial,  whereof  Colonel  Nixon  was 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


81 


president,  for  disobedient  and  mutinous  behavior,  are  each  of  them 
sentenced  to  pay  the  sum  of  twenty  shillings,  except  John  Leamon, 
who,  over  and  above  his  fine,  is  to  suffer  six  days’  imprisonment.  The 
paymaster  of  the  regiment  to  stop  the  fine  from  each  man  out  of  their 
next  month’s  pay,  which  must  be  paid  to  Dr.  Church,  for  the  use  of 
the  general  hospital. 

Head- quarters,  September  14 til,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Roxborough  ” ; countersign,  “ Salem.” 

In  obedience  to  the  general  order  of  the  7th  instant,  the  inquiry 
into  the  conduct  of  Dr.  Church,  the  director-general  of  the  hospital, 
and  the  respective  regimental  surgeons,  has  been  held  in  General 
Sullivan’s  brigade;  that  being  finished,  the  General  orders  the  like  to 
be  held  forthwith  in  General  Green’s  brigade. 

Head-quarters,  September  loth,  1775. 

Parole,  “Pittsburg”  ; countersign,  “Ulster.” 

Colonel  John  Mansfield,  of  the  nineteenth  regiment  of  foot,  tried 
at  a general  court-martial,  whereof  Brigadier- General  Green  was  pres- 
ident, for  remissness  and  backwardness  in  the  execution  of  his  duty 
at  the  late  engagement  on  Bunker’s  Hill.  The  court  found  the  pris- 
oner guilty  of  the  charge,  and  of  a breach  of  the  forty-ninth  article  of 
the  Rules  and  Regulations  of  the  Massachusetts  Army,  and  therefore 
sentence  him  to  be  cashiered,  and  rendered  unfit  to  serve  in  the  Con- 
tinental army.  The  General  approves  the  sentence,  and  directs  it  to 
take  place  immediately. 

Moses  Pickett,  soldier  in  Captain  Merritt’s  company,  in  Colonel 
Glover’s  regiment,  tried  at  a general  court-martial  for  disobedience  of 
orders  and  damning  his  officer,  is  found  guilty,  and  sentenced  to 
receive  thirty  lashes  upon  his  bare  back,  and  afterwards  drummed  out 
of  the  regiment.  The  General  orders  the  punishment  to  be  inflicted 
at  the  head  of  the  regiment  to-morrow  morning,  at  troop-beating. 

As  Colonel  Frye’s  brigade  is  to  he  mustered  to-morrow  morning, 
General  Heath’s  brigade  will  furnish  the  guards  in  and  about  Cam- 
bridge  for  to-morrow. 

Ho  returns  to  be  made  next  Saturday. 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Major  Lee. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Doliver. 

Head-quarters , September  16 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Wilmington ” ; countersign.  “York.” 

James  Finley,  sergeant  in  Captain  Price’s  company  of  riflemen, 
tried  by  a general  court-martial  for  expressing  himself  disrespectfully 
of  the  Continental  association,  and  drinking  General  Gage’s  health. 
The  court  sentence  the  prisoner  to  be  deprived  of  his  arms  and  accou- 
trements, put  in  a horse-cart,  with  a rope  round  his  neck,  and  drummed 
out  of  the  army,  and  rendered  for  ever  incapable  of  serving  in  the  Con- 
tinental army. 

John  Cotton,  sergeant  in  Colonel  Cotton’s  regiment,  tried  by  the 


11 


82 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct 


same  general  court-martial  for  defrauding  the  regiment  of  part  of 
their  allowance  of  provisions.  The  court  sentence  the  prisoner  to 
refund  and  pay  back  fourteen  pounds,  six  shillings,  and  four  pence  to 
said  regiment,  and  be  disqualified  to  serve  in  said  regiment  as  quar- 
termaster-sergeant for  the  future. 

Head-quarters , September  Ylth,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Andover  ” ; countersign,  “ Beverly.” 

The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Murray  is  appointed  chaplain  to  the  Rhode 
Island  regiment,  and  is  to  be  respected  as  such.  Colonel  Prescot 
being  taken  sick,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Johonnot,  of  the  twenty-first  reg- 
iment, is  to  go  forthwith  to  Sewall’s  Point,  to  take  the  command  of 
that  regiment. 

Head-quarters , September  18 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Brunswick”  ; countersign,  “ Cambridge.” 

The  inquiry  into  the  conduct  of  Dr.  Church,  director-general  of  the 
hospital,  and  of  the  respective  regimental  surgeons,  to  be  held  to- 
morrow morning,  in  General  Heath’s  brigade. 

Head-quarters , September  1 Vtk,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Danvers  ” ; countersign,  “ Essex.” 

Head-quarters,  September  20 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Falmouth  ”;  countersign,  “ Gloucester.” 

As  the  commissions  are  ready  to  be  delivered  to  the  officers  serving 
in  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies,  the  General  recommends  it  to  them 
to  apply,  as  soon  as  it  is  convenient,  to  him,  at  head-quarters,  for  the 
same.  No  person  is  to  presume  to  demand  a Continental  commission 
who  is  not  in  actual  possession  of  the  like  commission  from  the  proper 
authority  of  the  colony  lie  is  at  present  engaged  to  serve,  which  must 
be  produced  at  the  time  application  is  made  for  a Continental  commis- 
sion. If,  from  unavoidable  circumstances,  any  gentleman  has  served 
from  the  beginning  of  the  campaign  in  the  rank  of  a commissioned 
officer,  and  has  not  yet  received  a commission,  being  justly  entitled 
thereto,  such  officer’s  pretensions  will  be  duly  weighed  and  considered  ; 
and,  upon  sufficient  proof  of  the  justice  of  his  claim,  a commission  will 
issue  accordingly.  The  General  expects  that  every  officer  delivers 
his  present  commission,  or  claim  to  a commission,  to  his  colonel,  or 
officer  commanding  the  regiment ; and  each  colonel,  or  officer  com- 
manding a regiment,  is  forthwith  to  apply  to  the  General  for  the  com- 
missions for  the  officers  of  his  respective  regiments.  The  colonel  of 
the  first,  second,  and  third  regiments  to  apply  to-morrow  morning, 
at  nine  o’clock ; and  so  on,  day  by  day,  until  the  whole  are  supplied. 
Three  regiments  to  apply  each  day. 

Head-quarters,  September  21st,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Hanover  ” ; countersign,  “ Ipswich.” 

Whereas,  frequent  applications  are  making  to  the  General,  Com- 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


83 


mander-in-chief,  by  officers  of  all  ranks  and  denominations,  for  an  allow- 
ance of  rations  of  provisions,  which  are  not  only  absolutely  necessary, 
but  usually  and  customarily  allowed  to  them,  the  General  has  thought 
proper  to  order  and  direct,  that  from  the  first  day  of  July  last  there 


be  issued  by 
rations,  viz. : — 

the  commissary-general 

the  following 

propor 

To  each 

major-general  . . 

55 

55 

brigadier-general  . 

. ...  12 

55 

55 

55 

colonel 

. . . . 6 

55 

55 

55 

lieutenant-colonel  . . 

. . . . 5 

55 

55 

55 

major 

. . . . 4 

55 

55 

55 

captain 

. . . . 3 

5? 

5> 

55 

subaltern  .... 

. . . . 2 

55 

55 

Parole,  “ 

„ staff-officer 2 

Head-quarters , September  22 d,  1775. 
Lynn”;  countersign,  “Marblehead.” 

55 

The  under-named  prisoners,  tried  by  a general  court-martial  for 
mutiny,  riot,  and  disobedience  of  orders,  are  severally  guilty  of  the 
crimes  wherewith  they  are  accused ; and  the  court,  upon  due  consider- 
ation of  the  evidences,  do  adjudge  that  the  prisoner,  Joseph  Seales, 
receive  thirty-nine  lashes  upon  his  bare  back,  and  be  drummed  out  of 
the  army;  and  that  the  prisoners,  John  Gillard,  Jacob  Smallwood. 
John  Peltro,  Samuel  Grant,  Hugh  Renny,  James  Jeffry,  Charles 
Alcrain,  Samuel  Hannis,  Charles  Pearce,  James  Williams,  John  Kelly, 
John  Bryan,  and  Philip  Florence,  do  each  of  them  receive  twenty 
lashes  upon  his  bare  back,  and  be  drummed  out  of  the  army ; the 
prisoners,  Lawrence  Blake,  Samuel  Bodine,  John  Besom,  Benja  Bar- 
tholomew, Francis  Ellis,  Joseph  Lawrence,  John  Sharp,  John  Poor, 
Joseph  Fessenden,  John  Foster,  John  Lis,  Lawrence  Bartlet,  Philip 
Greaty,  Peter  Newell,  Samuel  Parsons,  Jeremiah  Daily,  Francis 
Greaton,  Richard  Pendrick,  Robert  Hooper,  Anthony  Lewis,  Nicholas 
Ogleby,  and  Thomas  Metyard,  be  fined  twenty  shillings  lawful  money 
each,  — Joseph  Foster,  Joseph  Lawrence,  and  Joseph  Fessenden  being 
recommended  by  the  court-martial  as  proper  objects  of  mercy.  The 
Commander-in-chief  is  pleased  to  remit  their  fine,  and  to  order  the 
sentence  upon  all  the  others  to  be  put  in  execution,’  at  guard-mounting, 
to-morrow  morning.  Those  upon  Prospect  Hill  to  receive  their  pun- 
ishment there  ; the  rest  at  the  main-guard.* 

John  George  Frazer,  Esq.,  being  appointed  assistant  to  the  Quarter- 
Master- General  for  the  district  of  Prospect  and  Winter  Hill,  he  is  to 
be  obeyed  as  such. 

Colonel  Starks,  of  New  Hampshire,  having  complained  that,  through 
mistake  or  inadvertency  in  the  court  which  was  appointed  to  settle 
the  rank  of  the  regiments  and  officers  of  this  army,  he  had  not  justice 


* The  copy  of  this  order  in  4 Force’s  “ American  Archives,”  III.  855,  has 
John  Lee  instead  of  Lis,  Peter  Neivelle  instead  of  Newell,  and  Francis  Greater 
instead  of  Greaton.  The  last  two  variations  are  probably  misprints.  — Eds. 


84 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


done  him,  even  upon  the  principles  which  they  themselves  had  laid 
down  for  their  government  in  that  matter,  the  General  orders  that 
the  brigadier  and  the  six  field-officers  who  composed  that  court  do  sit 
to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o’clock,  to  inquire  into  the  cause  of  this 
complaint.  At  the  same  time,  if  Colonel  Doolittle,  who  has  also  ex- 
pressed some  dissatisfaction  on  account  of  his  rank,  can  urge  any  thing 
new  to  the  court,  he  may  be  heard. 

The  court  are  desired,  likewise,  to  settle  the  rank  of  the  officers  of 
the  rifle  companies  posted  at  Roxbuiy. 

Head-quarters,  September  23 d,  1775. 

Parole,  “Newbury”;  countersign,  “Plymouth.” 

Officer  of  the  day  for  to-morrow,  Major  Woods. 

Adjutant  of  the  day, Tyler. 

Head-quarters,  September  2 ith,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Quebec  ” ; countersign,  “ Richmond.” 

Major  Scarborough  Gridley,  tried  at  a late  general  court-martial, 
whereof  Brigadier-General  Green  was  president,  for  being  deficient  in 
his  duty  upon  the  17th  of  June  last,  the  day  of  the  action  upon 
Bunker’s  Hill.  The  court  find  Major  Scarborough  Gridley  guilty  of 
a breach  of  orders.  They  do  therefore  dismiss  him  from  the  Massa- 
chusetts service;  but  on  account  of  his  inexperience  and  youth,  and 
the  great  confusion  which  attended  that  day’s  transaction  in  general, 
they  do  not  consider  him  incapable  of  a Continental  commission, 
should  the  general  officers  recommend  him  to  his  Excellency.  The 
General  confirms  the  dismission  of  Major  Scarborough  Gridley,  and 
orders  it  to  take  place  accordingly. 

George  Hamilton,  soldier  in  Captain  Dexter’s  company,  in  Colonel 
Woodbridge’s  regiment,  tried  at  a general  court-martial,  whereof  Colo- 
nel Nixon  was  president,  for  stealing  a blue  great-coat,  the  property 
of  Solomon  Lathrop.  The  court  find  the  prisoner  guilty  of  the  charge, 
and  sentence  him  to  receive  thirty  lashes  upon  the  bare  back,  and  to  be 
drummed  out  of  the  army ; and  order  his  captain  to  deduct  10s.  10 d. 
lawful  money  out  of'  his  pay,  and  pay  it  to  Mr.  Penyer,  for  so  much 
paid  by  him  to  the  prisoner  on  the  coat,  and  that  the  coat  be  returned 
to  Mr.  Lathrop.  Jonathan  Sharpe,  of  Captain  Loise’s  company,  in 
Colonel  Phiuney’s  regiment,  tried  at  the  same  court-martial  for  steal- 
ing cartridges  from  his  comrades,  is  acquitted.  The  General  orders 
the  sentence  upon  the  prisoner  Hamilton  to  be  executed,  and  the  pris- 
oner Sharpe  to  be  released. 

The  General  directs  the  following  minutes  from  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives of  this  colony  to  be  inserted  in  the  General  Orders  : — 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  Sept.  23,  1775. 

Resolved,  that  the  Speaker,  Mr.  Gerry,  and  Major  Hawley  be,  and 
they  hereby  are,  appointed  a committee  to  apply  to  his  Excellency, 
George  Washington,  Esq.,  with  a desire  of  this  House,  that  he  will 
as  soon  as  may  be,  cause  a return  to  be  made  of  the  names  of  the 


1876.] 


ORDERLY  BOOK. 


85 


officers  nnd  men  to  each  regiment  established  by  this  Colony,  and 
now  in  the  American  army,  respectively  belonging,  including  such  of 
each  regiment  as  are  deceased  since  its  establishment,  or  have  been 
drafted  for  the  detachment  ordered  to  Quebec,  and  specifying  the 
names  of  the  towns  and  other  places  from  which  they  were  respec- 
tively enlisted,  in  order  to  enable  the  court  to  rectify  and  prevent  any 
error  in  accounts  which  have  been,  or  may  be,  rendered  for  payment 
of  blankets  and  other  articles  supplied  the  soldiers  according  to  the 
terms  of  their  enlistments. 

A true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

Attest : Samuel  Freeman,  Clerk. 

The  inquiry  into  the  conduct  of  Dr.  Church,  director-general  of 
the  hospital,  and  the  respective  regimental  surgeons,  to  be  held  to- 
morrow, in  Colonel  Frye’s  brigade. 

The  general  court-martial  whereof  General  Green  was  president 
is  dissolved. 

Head-quarters , Cambridge,  September  25th,  1775. 

Parole,  “ Sandwich  ” ; countersign,  “ Truro.” 

As  frequent  applications  to  the  majors-general  for  furloughs  have 
become  very  troublesome,  and  takes  up  much  of  their  time,  the  follow- 
ing method  of  granting  them,  for  the  future,  is  to  be  observed,  and 
under  no  pretence  whatsoever  to  be  dispensed  with,  until  further  orders 
on  this  head;  viz. : The  colonel,  or  commanding  officers  of  regiments 
or  corps,  when  they  find  it  really  requisite,  and  not  else,  have  permission 
to  give  furloughs  to  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers  of  the 
corps  they  respectively  command,  provided  they  do  not  suffer  more 
than  two  privates  to  be  absent  at  any  one  time  from  a company,  and 
not  more  than  one  non-commissioned  officer;  nor  allowing  any  person 
to  be  absent  from  his  duty  more  than  twenty  days  in  six  months.  In 
extraordiuary  cases,  a further  indulgence  may  be  given  by  the  general 
of  brigade,  upon  application  from  the  colonel.  All  commissioned  offi- 
cers are  to  apply  for  leave  of  absence  through  their  own  colonel  or 
commanding  officer,  to  the  general  of  brigade  to  which  they  belong, 
who  is  desired  never  to  suffer  more  than  one  field-officer  and  four 
others  to  be  absent  at  any  one  time  from  a regiment,  nor  for  more  than 
twenty  days  in  six  months.  In  extraordinary  cases,  a further  indul- 
gence may  be  given  by  the  major-general  commanding  each  division, 
upou  the  application  of  the  brigadiers  of  his  divison. 

As  the  committee  have  settled  the  rank  between  Colonel  Stark  and 
Colonel  Jona  Brewer,  the  General  desires  the  colonels  of  the  regi- 
ments jST os.  6,  7,  and  8 will  apply  immediately  for  Continental  com- 
missions for  the  officers  of  their  respective  corps ; and  that  the  three 
next  regiments  in  succession  will  apply  to-morrow  morning ; and  so 
three  every  morning  afterwards,  until  the  whole  are  served. 

Head-quarters,  September  26 th,  1775. 

Parole,  “Virginia”;  countersign,  “ Waltham.” 

For  the  future,  the  weekly  returns  on  Saturdays  are  to  be  made 


86 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 


[Oct. 


in  the  old  form.  The  majors  of  brigade  will  give  printed  forms,  as 
usual,  to  the  adjutants  of  every  brigade,  at  orderly  time,  to-morrow. 

Rank  of  the  Regiments  of  Foot  in  the  service  of  the  United  Colonies. 


Colonels. 

1.  Frye. 

2.  Thompson. 

3.  Reed. 

4.  Learnerd. 

5.  Nixon. 

6.  J.  Brewer. 

7.  Stark. 

8.  Fellows. 

9.  D.  Brewer. 

10.  Prescott. 

11.  Poor. 

12.  Varnum. 

13.  Parsons. 

14.  Hitchcock. 

15.  Church. 

16.  Cotton. 

17.  Little. 

18.  Danielson. 

19.  Mansfield. 

20.  Reed. 

21.  Glover. 

22.  Walker. 

23.  Whitcomb. 

24.  Doolittle. 

25.  Woodbridge. 

26.  Patterson. 

27.  Bridge. 

28.  Sargeant. 

29.  Huntingdon. 

30.  Scammon. 

31.  Phinney. 

32.  Ward. 

33.  Wyllis. 

34.  Stores. 

35.  Bailey. 

36.  Greaton. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 


Lleut.-Colouels. 

1.  Wyman. 

2.  Tyler. 

3.  Hand. 

4.  Glaveland. 

5.  McDuffee. 

6.  Hutchinson. 

7.  Shepard. 

8.  Moulton. 

9.  Nixon. 

10.  Holden. 

11.  March. 

12.  Alden. 

13.  Eager. 

14.  Putnam. 

15.  Cornell. 

16.  Babcock. 

17.  Pitkin. 

18.  Stores. 

19.  Smith. 

20.  Clapp. 

21.  Bond. 

22.  Gillman. 

23.  Brickett. 

24.  Robertson. 

25.  Reed. 

26.  Baldwin. 

27.  Keys. 

28.  Buckminster. 

29.  Leonard. 

30.  Miller. 

31.  Whitney. 

32.  Johonnot. 

33.  Brown. 

34.  Douglass. 

35.  Durkee. 

36.  Thompson. 

37.  Enon. 

38.  Mitchel. 

39.  Yose. 

40.  Barnes. 


Majors. 

1.  Poor. 

2.  Clarke. 

3.  Bowne. 

4.  Holman. 

5.  Jackson. 

6.  Wiston. 

7.  Putnam. 

8.  Prentice. 

9.  McGaw. 

10.  Green. 

11.  Sawyer. 

12.  Smith. 

13.  Cilly. 

14.  Angell. 

15.  Tupper. 

16.  Sprout. 

17.  D.  Wood. 

18.  Sherburne. 

19.  Buttrick. 

20.  Austin. 

21.  Cady. 

22.  M.  Wood. 

23.  Cud  worth. 

24.  Danielson. 

25.  Leonard. 

26.  Lee. 

27.  Collins. 

28.  Hall. 

29.  Brooks. 

30.  Stacy. 

31.  Mitchel. 

32.  Johnston. 

33.  Loring. 

34.  Meigs. 

35.  Jacobs. 

36.  Biglow. 

37.  Moore. 

38. 

39. 

40. 


REMINISCENCES 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


12 


REMINISCENCES 


OP 

COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


The  foregoing  sketch  will  have  interest  for  the  general  reader,  com- 
ing as  it  does  from  one  who  took  so  lively  an  interest  in  the  events  and 
the  actors  of  the  American  revolutionary  period,  and  who  did  so  much 
by  voice  and  pen  to  perpetuate  their  memory. 

To  descendants  and  relatives  of  the  subject,  this  memoir  must  be 
the  more  welcome  for  having  been  prepared  by  his  townsman  and 
friend,  whose  “memory  went  back  to  the  time  when  Colonel  Henshaw 
was  in  active  life,”  and  who,  therefore,  could  add  to  his  historical  inter- 
est that  of  personal  knowledge  and  friendship.  Mr.  Washburn  said 
he  “ took  pleasure  and  pride  in  the  belief  that  the  men  and  events  of 
other  days  are  treasured  up  where  their  personal  history  will  be  kept 
sacred,”  and  he  further  remarked  that  “ In  the  honor  and  good  name 
of  my  native  town,  I feel  an  interest  next  to  that  I entertain  for  my 
own  father  and  mother.  I consider  that  the  name  and  personal  his- 
tory of  William  Henshaw  belong  to  this  class.” 

It  is  not  inappropriate  to  state  here,  that  to  this  deep  interest  in  the 
“men  and  events  of  other  days,”  his  regard  for  his  townsmen,  and  to 
his  familiar  acquaintance  with  Colonel  Henshaw  and  his  official  papers, 
we  are  in  a great  degree  indebted  for  the  recovery  of  the  Orderly- 
Book  herewith  given.  He  rejoiced  in  its  restoration  to  its  owner,  after 
having  been  lost  for  many  years,  “ considering  it  as  closely  identified 
with  the  personal  history  of  its  writer.”  That  a manuscript  he  con- 
sidered of  so  much  interest  and  value  should  be  preserved,  Mr.  Wash- 
burn urged  its  publication,  offering,  as  a mark  of  personal  regard,  to 
accompany  it  by  a sketch  of  the  more  public  life  and  acts  of  Colonel 


90 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


Henskaw.  When  finished,  he  pronounced  it  “ the  performance  of  a 
very  pleasant  duty.” 

May  not  this  memoir,  one  of  the  latest  employments  of  a useful  and 
honorable  life,  he  received  ky  the  friends  who  knew  both  subject  and 
writer,  as  a valued  and  enduring  legacy  ? 

The  spot  of  one’s  childhood  and  youth  may  be  an  object  of  greater 
or  less  interest,  as  well  as  the  circumstances,  associations,  and  influences 
tending  to  the  formation  of  opinions,  habits,  and  character. 

William  Henskaw’s  childhood  was  spent  in  Boston,  in  a house  built 
by  his  father,  Daniel  Henshaw,  on  laud  bought  of  his  father-in-law, 
Joseph  Bass,  Esq.  The  acknowledgment  of  the  deed  for  this  land  was 
taken  by  “Samuel  Adams,  (senior,)  J.  Peace,  the  12th  day  of  March, 
Anno  Domini,  1734-5.”  This  house  was  situated  on  the  east  side  of  what 
was  long  called  Rainsford’s  Lane.  It  was  then  considered  a handsome 
house,  of  two  stories,  with  a hipped  roof,  the  chambers  uuder  it  being 
lighted  with  luthern  windows.  The  fireplaces  of  the  front  rooms  were 
adorned  with  pictured  tiles.  The  front  door  opened  from  [the  south 
side,  into  a yard  handsomely  paved  with  pebble-stones.  South  of  this 
was  a large  garden,  the  grounds  beyond  this  enclosure  extending  to  the 
water,  with  “ a small  House,  the  Distill  House,  and  a Cooper’s  Shop 
thereon.”  After  the  removal  of  its  owner,  1748,  it  was  rented  until 
his  decease,  when  it  was  sold  by  those  inheriting  it.  For  many  years 
it  was  occupied  by  Nathaniel  Coffin,  the  “ quarterly  payment  of  rent 
being  £6-13-4.”  It  was  the  birthplace  of  Admiral  Sir  Isaac  Coffin 
and  his  brother  General  John  Coffin.  Sir  Isaac  was  greatly  attached 
to  this  home  of  his  childhood  and  youth,  and  whenever  he  visited  Bos- 
ton gratified  this  attachment  by  looking  at  every  apartment  of  the 
house.  The  Coffin  family  found  it  expedient,  if  not  necessary,  to 
remove  from  this  abode  some  time  before  the  evacuation  of  Boston, 
when  they  departed  with  the  British  army  to  Halifax,  thence  to 
England. 

Some  of  the  families  then  living  in  this  vicinity  may  be  known  by  a 
“ List  of  the  Names  of  sundry  Persons  deceas’d  since  I removed  from 
Boston,  which  was  Septr.  17 : 1748,  — all  of  whom  I knew,  and  Severall 
of  mine  Acquaintance  in  Boston,”  written  out  by  Daniel  Henshaw, 
ninety-three  in  number.  “William  Lambert,  Esqr.,  Comptrouller  of 
the  Customs,  a near  Neighbour  for  more  than  20  Years.  John  Indi- 
cott,  for  30  Years,  an  Acquaintance  and  of  the  same  Congregation, 
(the  New  South,)  Thomas  Child,  a noted  Distiller,  a Neighbour  and 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


91 


an  Acquaintance.  Thomas  Dawes,  a Mason,  formerly  a near  Neigh- 
bour. Robert  Auchmuty,  a very  able  Lawyer,  & a very  near  Neigh- 
bour for  more  than  20  Years.  Jonathan  Tilden,  my  next  door 
Neighbour,  and  an  Acquaintance.  Jn°.  Arburthinott,  a next  door 
Neighbour,  and  a near  Neighbour  for  almost  20  Years.” 

Close  beside  this  home  was  the  Bass  estate,  where  relatives  lived, 
“ next  Door  Neighbours  ” also  ; other  branches  of  the  same  family  being 
settled  about  them. 

William’s  grandfather,  Joshua  Ilenshaw,  lived  in  the  house  built  by 
himself  on  Newbury  Street,  now  the  north  corner  of  Washington 
Street  and  Hayward  Place.  His  uncle,  Joshua,  junior,  lived  on 
Sudbury  Street,  while  uncles  and  cousins  were  scattered  about  the 
town,  making  a large  circle  of  family  friends,  eminently  social  in  their 
nature,  and  with  strong  attachments  to  their  kindred.  He  was  blessed 
with  parents  who  were  judicious  and  faithful  in  guiding  their  charge; 
exemplary  in  their  own  lives,  their  example  and  influence  in  the  domestic 
sanctuary  was  salutary  and  permanent.  They  related  to  their  children 
the  accounts  handed  down  to  them  of  their  courageous  and  heroic  an- 
cestors in  defence  of  the  Protestant  faith,  and  of  others  in  later  times 
in  defence  of  civil  liberties.  They  told  their  young  listeners  the  story 
of  another  ancestor  of  the  more  recent  past,  John  Alden,  the  cooper ; 
his  embarking  on  the  Mayflower  at  Southampton,  and  choosing  to  share 
the  fortunes  and  fate  of  the  Pilgrims  rather  than  a return  to  his  former 
home  and  to  ease ; of  his  being  selected  by  the  great  and  brave  Cap- 
tain Standish  as  a trusty  friend  and  messenger  on  an  important  occa- 
sion, with  an  important  overture  ; of  the  naive  reply  of  Miss  Priscilla, 
as  it  passed  from  the  lips  of  one  generation  to  those  of  another  till  it 
had  reached  them,  “ Prythee,  John,  why  not  ask  for  thyself?  ” They 
dwelt  upon  the  useful  service  rendered  to  the  governor  and  the  infant 
colony  by  this  man,  his  prolonged  life,  peaceful  death,  and  “ honourable 
burial.” 

Of  the  father,  Daniel  Henshaw,  it  has  been  stated  that  “ he  was  re- 
markable for  sincerity  and  unostentatious  piety.  He  had  sound  judg- 
ment, and  much  legal  knowledge.  His  education,  though  not  collegiate, 
was  superior  for  the  times  in  which  he  lived.  He  was  a good  mathe- 
matician, a fine  penman,  and  possessed  a lively  imagination.  History 
was  his  favorite  study,  in  which  he  was  a proficient.  He  had  a good 
library,  and  in  leisure  hours  read  much,  acquiring  a fund  of  useful 
information.  A lover  of  justice  and  the  equal  rights  of  man,  he  was 
often  resorted  to  as  referee  or  arbitrator  in  difficult  cases.  As  an 


92 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


officiating  magistrate,  a large  part  of  the  justice’s  business  in  that  part 
of  the  county  where  he  in  later  life  resided  was  transacted  by  him.  In 
his  nature  and  habits  he  was  retiring,  and  rather  avoided  than  sought 
office ; yet  he  was  chosen  to  offices  in  the  town  to  which  he  removed, 
from  his  settlement  there  to  the  time  of  his  death.  Like  his  brother 
Joshua,  and  their  forefathers,  he  was  a strong  liberty  man , and  took 
an  active  part  in  the  deliberations  of  town-meetings  antecedent  to  the 
war  of  the  Revolution,  being  the  author  of  several  spirited  reports  and 
resolutions.”  * 

He  saw  his  country  declare  itself  independent,  and  witnessed  the 
most  determined  efforts  to  maintain  this  condition,  in  which  he  joined 
by  employing  others,  at  great  expense,  as  substitutes  for  the  work  he 
could  not  perform,  while  encouraging  and  cheering  onward  three  sons 
who  gave  themselves  to  this  service. 

While  the  British  troops  were  quartered  in  Boston,  he  suffered  much 
loss  of  property,  one  house  being  badly  damaged,  and  another  wholly 
destroyed  by  them.  He  lived  to  a good  old  age.  He  was  born  in 
Boston,  December  3,  1701,  and  died  at  Leicester,  November  18,  1781. 

Of  the  mother,  Elizabeth  (Bass)  Ilenshaw,  it  is  said:  “She  had 
the  happiness  to  be  born  of  excellent  parents  (Joseph  and  Mary  Bass). 
Her  grandmother  was  the  daughter  of  the  IIonble  John  Alden,  Esqr., 
one  of  them  who  came  the  first  from  England  to  this  Country. 
Her  Mother  died  when  she  was  young,  her  Father  therefore  had  the 
Educating  of  her;  the  youngest  of  his  three  Daughters,  she  was  his 
beloved  Daughter : he  was  very  fond  of  her,  and  took  great  Care  not 
only  for  her  polite  breeding,  but  for  her  religious  Education,  and  she 
was  in  Subjection  to  him  with  all  Gravity.  She  was  unspotted  from 
those  vanities  and  views  which  are  the  too  common  blemishes  of  un- 
guarded Youth.  She  was  a Pattern  of  strict  virtue,  morality  and  good 
Carriage,  and  as  bright  an  Example  of  Piety  and  Devotion,  early  ad- 
dicting herself  to  retirement  for  Closet  Duties,  delighting  in  Prayer, 
Meditation,  in  reading  and  hearing  God’s  Word,  and  in  religious  ac- 
quaintance and  Conference.  Her  Piety  was  undissembled  — a vital 
Reality , built  on  solid  Principles  inspired  from  above ; and  so  by 
patient  continuance  in  well-doing  from  her  Youth  up,  she  came  to  be 
an  Experimental  Saint.  She  was  very  Exemplary  to  the  last,  and  died 
well  reported  of  for  good  Works,  having  suitably  brought  up  her  Chil- 


* Reminiscences,  by  the  late  Daniel  Hensliaw  of  Boston,  and  by  the  late 
Miss  Anna  Hensliaw  of  Leicester. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


93 


dren,  and  guided  well  her  House,  having  relieved  the  Afflicted,  and 
diligently  followed  every  good  Work. 

“Some  passages  of  her  Frame  and  Carriage  in  her  last  Hours  may 
tend  to  the  honour  of  God’s  Grace  in  and  with  her,  or  be  proper  for 
the  Children’s  Imitation,  Encouragement  and  Quickning.  Her  pa- 
tience was  admirable;  she  bore  what  pain  she  had,  with  a Christian 
Silence  and  Firmness  of  Spirit  — she  had  Fortitude  of  Mind:  her 
contempt  of  worldly  Vauity  was  singular,  her  Resignation  remarkable. 
Her  words  were,  ‘I  fully  submit  to  the  Will  of  my  Heavenly  Father 
— his  Will  be  done.’ 

“ Let  God  have  the  glory  of  those  shining  gifts  and  graces  that 
adorned  her  Character,  and  let  her  children  often  call  to  mind,  admire, 
and  speak  of  those  many  Excellencies  which  are  now  perfected.  What 
a loving  aud  careful  wife  — what  a true  and  constant  Friend,  and  kind, 
obliging  Neighbour.  Let  them  endeavour  modestly  to  set  forth  all  the 
various  and  bright  parts  of  her  Character  which  made  her  Person  so 
lovely  and  commendable  to  them  while  she  lived,  and  will  render  her 
memory  ever  precious  and  delightful  to  them  now  she  is  gone,  and 
which  in  her  lifetime  she  desired  in  great  humility,  might  be  hid  as 
much  as  possible  from  the  view  and  observation  of  the  world,  but 
which  it  is  now  an  honor  and  a laudable  thing  to  relate,  as  her  de- 
served praise.  Let  her  friends  remember  and  imitate  her  virtues  and 
walk  in  the  same  Spirit  — call  up  her  Reverence  and  Love  for  the 
Word  and  Ordinances,  Sabbath  and  Servants  of  the  Lord,  — her 
Godly  Sincerity,  tenderness  of  heart,  continual  circumspection  over 
herself,  her  undisguised  Humility,  unaffected  Gravity,  Reservedness, 
Meekness,  Modesty,  Peaceableness  and  Patience ; her  Charity  and 
Prudence,  her  Diligence  in  business,  and  Fidelity  in  all  Relations. 
May  the  happy  Influence  of  her  Example  cause  them  to  walk  within 
their  houses  with  a perfect  heart,  and  to  bring  up  their  children  in  the 
Nurture  and  Admonition  of  the  Lord,  and  being  fruitful  in  every  good 
Work,  may  they  contribute  Something  towards  filling  up  the  Breach 
made  by  her  removal,  in  the  Family,  the  Church  and  the  World.  Her 
children  should  bless  God  for  so  good  a Mother  to  bring  them  up  — 
one  of  so  good  a Disposition,  easy  and  soft,  yet  without  weakness  ; so 
Prudent  in  her  Conduct  towards  them,  using  Authority  without  Se- 
verity — a faithful  Monitor,  exciting  them  to  Duty,  reproving  for 
Sin,  warning  them  against  Temptations,  directing  them  in  Difficulties, 
encouraging  them  under  Doubts  and  Fears,  comforting  them  under 
Troubles  and  Afflictions,  and  confirming  them  in  the  ways  of  Truth. 


94 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


These  and  many  other  good  offices,  they  ought  to  remember  with  a 
grateful  sense  of  Divine  goodness  to  them  herein.  Let  them  gather 
up  as  many  as  they  can,  of  the  wise  Sayings  and  gracious  Words  that 
fell  from  her  lips,  and  resolve  to  act  conformable  to  these  wholesome 
Instructions.  A diligent  Imitation  of  her  pious  Example  will  be  the 
best  Expression  of  their  Love  for  her.  To  transcribe  her  Virtues  and 
exhibit  the  Image  of  her  Perfections  in  their  own  lives,  will  he  to 
erect  for  her  the  most  honourary  and  lasting  Monument ; and  as  she 
has  done,  they  will  leave  a sweet  Perfume  on  their  Names  at  Death, 
and  perhaps,  in  like  manner,  leave  their  Posterity  to  serve  God  on 
Earth,  while  they  shall  be  praising  Him  in  Heaven.”  * 

This  delineation  by  her  pastor,  who  knew  her  in  later  life,  and  had 
direct  information  of  her  childhood  and  youth,  would  represent  a 
character  of  exalted  worth,  — one  calculated  to  make  its  own  impress, 
in  a greater  or  less  degree,  upon  those  committed  to  her  charge.  Mrs. 
Henshaw  was  the  mother  of  fourteen  children,  several  dying  in  in- 
fancy. She  lived  to  see  the  eight  remaining  ones  all  settled  in  life, 
her  sons  occupying  posts  of  usefulness  and  honor.  She  was  born 
in  Braintree,  February  2,  1704,  and  died  at  Leicester,  October  17, 
1774. 

In  this  favored  spot,  under  kindly  and  watchful  influences  at  home, 
and  fostering  circumstances  around  him,  William  enjoyed  the  advan- 
tages of  the  Boston  schools,  pursuing  studies  preparatory  to  a college 
course.  Under  the  tuition  and  discipline  of  the  famous  “Master  John 
Lovell,”  at  the  South  Grammar  School  he  had  already  made  consid- 
erable proficiency  in  the  classical  department  and  in  mathematics, 
when  it  was  decided  to  remove  from  Boston  to  Leicester,  his  father 
having  within  a few  years  come  into  possession  of  the  lot  purchased  by 
his  father  of  the  original  proprietors  of  the  latter  place. 

Educational  opportunities,  the  advantages  of  commercial  exchange, 
the  enjoyment  of  refined  social  intercourse,  and  the  society  of  a large 
circle  of  congenial  friends  and  beloved  relatives,  were  all  cheerfully 
given  up  ; town  and  seaport  life  exchanged  for  a distant  abode  in  the 
almost  unbroken  wilderness,  where  but  few  families  had  settled,  and 
those  few  quite  scattered  and  separated.  So  with  hopeful  hearts, 
though  saddened  by  the  recent  death  of  their  son  John,  a youth  of 


* From  a “ Sermon  occasioned  by  the  much  lamented  Death  of  Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Henshaw,  the  amiable  Wife  of  Daniel  Henshaw,  Esqq”  preached  on  the 
Sabbath  following  her  death  by  Rev.  Benjamin  Conklin,  Leicester. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


95 


sixteen,  these  parents  left  the  fresh-made  graves*  of  parents  and  child, 
and  bade  a cheerful  adieu  to  friends.  In  the  bright  September  days 
they  and  their  five  young  children  set  out  for  Leicester,  and  after  a 
long  (measured  by  the  time  required  for  it)  and  fatiguing  ride  through 
“forests  primeval”  and  intervening  swamps  and  over  the  highest  hills 
they  reached  their  destination.  Passing  by  the  two  only  houses  then 
erected  upon  the  Leicester  line,  situated  on  the  beautiful  Chestnut 
Hill,  they  left  the  “ country  road,”  laid  out  and  built  but  a few  years 
before,  for  a narrow  one,  little  more  than  a cart-path,  leading  to, 
and  terminating  at,  their  house,  about  half  a mile  distant  from  any 
neighbor.  This,  like  most  houses  in  the  settlement,  was  low,  un- 
painted, and  small,  the  size  seeming  quite  disproportioned  to  the  num- 
ber of  its  intended  occupants,  of  primitive  design  and  architecture, 
with  windows  of  diamond-shaped  glass,  and  a porch  projecting  from 
one  end.  At  sight  of  this,  a younger  sister  | exclaimed,  “O  father, 
this  is  the  Leicester  Jail,  is  n’t  it  ? ” A dismal  sight  it  must  have  been 
to  the  expectant  eye  of  childhood,  according  to  modern  descriptions  of 
the  old  Boston  Jail  of  that  time  on  Queen  Street.  “ The  old  prison, 
ugly  and  uncouth.”  She  readily  believed  the  assurance  that  it  was 
no  jail,  but  their  own  new  home,  on  entering  it  and  finding  the  ne- 
groes awaiting  them,  with  the  household  effects  which  had  required 
many  a journey  to  Boston  with  a yoke  of  oxen  to  transport  them 
hither.  This  was  the  “ Farm  at  Leicester,”  whence  they  had  some- 
times received  dairy  supplies,  situated  in  a pleasant  spot,  somewhat  ele- 
vated, but  sheltered  from  the  bleak  west  winds  by  the  surrounding  hills, 
which,  with  the  intervale  and  the  cultivated  fields,  formed  a picturesque 
scenery,  enjoyed  by  them  and  by  succeeding  generations ; while  from 
other  elevations  in  that  vicinity  the  more  distant  view,  as  the  coun- 
try became  settled,  and  villages  and  village-spires  dotted  the  land- 
scape, was  truly  magnificent,  — one  only  of  the  many  grand  view, 
afforded  by  the  hills  of  Leicester.  This  was  the  tract  allotted  to 
Joshua  Henshaw  by  the  original  proprietary  or  company,  who,  liv- 
ing mostly  in  Roxbury,  used  to  meet  the  Boston  proprietors  at  that 
famous  resort  for  important  meetings,  the  Green  Dragon  Tavern 


* The  Granary  Burying-ground,  where  the  Bass  and  Henshaw  tombs  may 
still  be  seen. 

t Mary  Belcher  Henshaw,  named  for  her  maternal  grandmother,  afterwards 
Mrs.  Wheeler. 


13 


96 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


where  they  agreed  upon  the  conditions  and  method  of  grants  and  set- 
tlement of  their  township. 

After  obtaining  a valid  title  to  his  house-lot,  No.  22,  Mr.  Ilenshaw 
took  measures  to  fulfil  the  “ conditions  ” by  having  it  occupied  by  oth- 
ers, he  having  sons  who  could  engage  in  this  pioneer  enterprise.  This 
Joshua  Ilenshaw  2d,  sou  of  the  first  Joshua  Henshaw,  who  came  from 
England  to  America,  was  born  at  Dorchester  in  1672,  and  settled  in 
Boston,  entering  into  business  at  an  early  age.  He  is  said  to  have 
been  an  acting  magistrate,  a ship-owner,  and  an  extensive  merchant, 
in  which  latter  business  he  became  wealthy.  He  was  a distiller,  and 
traded  occasionally  at  Bermudas,  Virginia,  and  elsewhere,  but  more 
frequently  shipped  cargoes  of  provisions  and  ship’s  stores  in  his  sloop 
“ Daniel  ” to  Canseau,  where  he  was  largely  interested  in  the  fish- 
eries. 

At  first  the  original  owner  of  this  place  in  Leicester  built  a cabin 
upon  it  for  the  use  of  servants  sent  from  Boston,  to  make  a beginning 
in  cultivation  and  settlement.  Several  amusing  accounts  of  adveu- 
tures  and  experiences  in  the  outset  of  wilderness  life  were  given  by 
the  first  resident  families  on  this  spot.  One  is  thus  humorously  related 
by  a descendant  * : “ One  summer  a couple  of  negro  men  were  sent  up 
to  open  a clearing  and  cultivate  vegetables,  with  a cow,  provisions,  and 
a sack  of  samp  for  subsistence.  On  coming  into  their  cabin  one  warm 
evening  for  their  accustomed  repast,  what  was  their  horror  to  find  a 
striped  snake  coiled  up  in  their  tray  of  milk,  surfeited  and  suffocated. 
Never  having  seen  a snake  before,  the  poor  blacks  were  sadly  terrified 
at  this  manifestation  of  the  Evil  One,  for  they  verily  believed  it  was 
Satan  himself  in  the  form  of  the  same  reptile  that  had  appeared  to 
Missus  Eve,  and  tempted  her  to  commit  sin.  They  had  left  Boston 
soon  after  the  smallqjox  had  been  brought  into  that  place,  by  the  Sea- 
Horse  from  Barbadoes,  and  the  hearts  of  all  were  failing  them  through 
fear.  Such  a state  of  feeling,  brought  with  them  from  home,  no  doubt 
added  intenseness  to  their  affright.  After  solemn  consideration,  they 
resolved  how  to  behave  in  the  trying  hour  of  temptation  : they  would 
not  be  overcome  of  evil,  but  would  overcome  this  evil  one  by  heaping 
coals  of  fire  on  his  head,  and  not  his  head  only,  but  his  whole  length 
of  body  should  be  cast  into  devouring  flames.  Whereupon  they  kin- 
dled a large  fire  of  brush,  and  gravely  bore  the  vessel  containing  his 
snakeship  and  poured  the  contents  into  the  crackling  flames,  and  then 


* H.  G.  Hensbaw,  Leicester. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


97 


sang  a Te  Deum  over  their  conflict  and  victory.  Think  now  of  their 
astonishment  and  mortification  when,  on  relating  their  valiant  encounter 
to  a passing  neighbor  the  next  day,  it  excited,  not,  as  they  expected, 
wonder  and  rejoicing,  but  only  a smile  of  derision.”  As  the  whole 
country  abounded  in  these  enemies  of  mankind,  the  blacks  probably 
had  many  another  “valiant  encounter”  with  these  Satanic  agencies, 
and  were  able  to  resist  the  temptation ; or,  becoming  familiarized  to  it, 
perhaps  they  yielded  to  temptation  when  presented  in  another  form ; 
for  records  show  that  at  a town-meeting,  a few  years  after,  it  was  “ Voted , 
to  allow  to  any  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  the  Sum  of  Six  Pence 
pr.  lied  for  Killing  of  Rattel  Snakes  that  shall  be  Killed  in  this  Town 
the  Year  Ensuing.” 

John,  the  third  son  of  the  proprietor,  tried  the  experiment  of  a forest 
life;  and  a house  was  built  for  him  in . 1735,  which  was  in  a few 
years  consumed  by  fire,  and  another  house  built,  and  lost  also  by  fire. 
“ It  was  set  on  fire  by  a female  slave  in  his  family,  who  had  come  with 
them  from  Boston,  and,  being  homesick,  adopted  this  as  a means  of 
compelling  her  master  to  return  to  that  place.”  (Washburn’s  History 
of  Leicester).  The  town  offered  a remuneration,  after  action  upon  the 
question  “ if  ye  Town  will  abate  Mr.  John  Henshawe’s  Rates  that  he 
was  assest  that  Year  his  House  was  burnt.”  His  dwelling  being  at  the 
extreme  northeast  portion  of  the  town,  it  was  a long  ride  through  the 
winding  ways  in  the  dense  woods  and  over  the  several  hills  to  the 
meeting-house,  of  a Sabbath-day,  yet  he  early  took  measures  to  secure 
a sitting  therein  ; as  on  “ Fryday,  29th  Apr.  1737,  at  a Town  Meeting 
legally  convened,”  the  inhabitants  were  called  upon  “ To  see  if  ye 
Town  will  grant  to  Mr.  John  Henshawe  that  Pew  which  was  formerly 
granted  to  Mr.  Rowland  Taylor,”  and  it  was  “ Voted  that  Mr.  John  Hen- 
shawe have  that  Pew  that  was  formerly  Mr.  Rowland  Taylor’s,  by  his 
paying  the  Sum  of  30  Shillings  to  ye  Town  & ye  cost  of  building  ye  Pew, 
& to  have  it  upon  ye  same  Foundations  as  all  others  Pews  are  granted.” 
The  losses,  dissatisfaction  of  dependents,  and  other  inconveniences  and 
hardships,  induced  him  to  abandon  the  undertaking,  give  up  his  “im- 
provements,” and  return  to  his  native  town.  Daniel  IJ.  became 
possessor  of  the  place,  which  was  rented  for  several  years  to  a tenant, 
who  made  more  progress  in  cultivation  and  improvement,  until  in  1748, 
as  before  stated,  he  removed  thither  and  made  it  his  permanent  abode. 

This  new  mode  of  life  furnished  continual  novelties  throughout  the 
year,  and  the  stimulus  of  enterprise  and  effort  supplied  in  some  degree 
the  lack  of  social  intercourse  and  superior  advantages  which  they  had 


98 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


relinquished.  The  warm  season  gave  variety  to  employment  in  “ break- 
ing stubble,”  “ ditching  meddows,”  “ splitting  ye  bills,”  in  planting, 
particularly  orchards,  repairs  and  enlargement  of  buildings,  or  con- 
structing new  ones  ; while  the  winter  time  was  improved  for  felling 
the  monarchs  of  the  forest,  which  furnished  such  immense  “logs”  for 
timber,  as  well  as  fuel  for  the  capacious  and  rapacious  fireplaces  and 
the  immense  ovens  which  every  house,  however  small,  must  have, 
Another  important  object  in  reducing  the  forests  was  to  make  paths 
and  roads  to  neighboring  habitations,  otherwise  almost  inaccessible. 
This  thinning  out  on  the  hills,  particularly  the  long  Indian  hill  that 
stretched  before  them,  served  to  exhibit  to  better  advantage  the  natural 
beauty  that  was  so  attractive  and  delightful  to  this  family  and  suc- 
ceeding ones.  Here  the  family,  parents  and  children,  gave  attention 
to  learning  themselves,  and  to  encouraging  in  others  the  useful  domestic 
arts,  and  while  continuing  to  use  the  costly  fabrics  and  more  finished 
articles  of  foreign  manufacture,  yet  they  chose  to  unite  with  others,  in 
town  or  country  life,  in  the  laborious  but  praiseworthy  employments  of 
domestic  manufacture.  This  being  not  the  constraint  of  necessity,  but 
the  virtue  of  a ready  conformity  to  existing  customs,  proved  a valuable 
aid  in  subsequent  years  of  trials  and  grievances  caused  by  the  exactions 
and  oppressive  measures  of  the  home  government,  when  the  spirit  of 
liberty  dictated  and  guided  the  whole  community  in  their  action,  con- 
ferring honor  and  grace  upon  all  these  pursuits  of  daily  life,  however 
humble  and  lowly.  The  pasture  lands  abounded  in  herds  of  cattle 
and  flocks  of  sheep  to  furnish  materials  for  clothing.  The  cultivation 
of  flax  was  entered  upon  largely.  The  negroes  not  being  skilled  in  the 
various  accomplishments  of  preparing  the  materials  for  use,  and  the 
daughters  too  young,  the  services  of  some  neighboring  spinster,  or 
townsman,  were  depended  on  for  spinning,  dyeing,  and  weaving,  until 
they  could  learn  the  process. 

The  negroes  were  six  in  number,  Prymus,  Pompey,  Joe,  Will, 
Pegg,  and  Jenny  ; the  distinction  in  family  names  being  “ son  Joseph, 
or  Josy,”  and  “man  Joe”;  “son  William,  or  Billy,”  and  “boy  Will.” 
In  1751  Daniel  II.  made  a conveyance  of  Pompey  to  his  brother 
Joshua  for  the  consideration  of  “ £425  Old  Tenor,  equal  to  Lawful 
Money  £121  — 1 — 6.”  Probably  the  others,  in  time,  returned  to 
Boston,  to  be  employed  about  the  “ Wharff”  or  “ Distill  house.”  The 
domesticated  condition  of  the  women  shows  happiness,  and  a kind 
regard  to  their  necessities.  Pegg  received  regular  wages.  She  was 
“ brought  up  from  Boston  in  a chaise,”  two  days  each  for  going  and 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


99 


returning,  and  “ her  goods  carted  up  from  Boston.”  She  brought  a 
little  child  also,  that  died  soon  after  their  arrival,  and  received  a 
Christian  burial.  Dina,  an  aged  negro  woman  belonging  to  Joshua 
Henshaw,  was  sent  here  to  have  a good  home,  where  she  would  be 
well  cared  for  by  those  she  had  known  and  tended  in  their  child- 
hood; and  for  seven  years  she  received  “Nursing  and  Attendance 
when  sick  of  the  Gout  at  sundry  Times,  and  the  making  and  mending 
of  her  Cloathing.”  A still  greater  expense  was  borne  “ in  her  Death- 
led,  Sickness  of  55  Weeks,”  followed  by  her  “Funerall.” 

The  care  of  houses  and  other  property  in  Boston,  and  the  purposes 
of  merchandise,  caused  frequent  journeys  thither  with  the  “ chair,”  a 
vehicle  but  little  used  in  the  place,  and  which,  with  other  conven- 
iences, customs,  apparel,  etc.,  appear  to  have  excited  discomfort  or 
envy  in  some  quarters.  “ It  required  a great  degree  of  humility  and 
virtuous  resolution  for  a man  in  easy  circumstances  to  leave  the 
blandishments  of  a place  of  wealth  and  business  for  a home  where  a 
few  scattered  spots  in  the  wilderness  were  the  principal  evidences  of 
civilization  and  settlement.  Yet  with  all  his  humility  in  penetrating 
the  wilderness,  my  grandfather  did  not  get  beyond  the  operation  and 
effects  of  ‘ poor  human  nature.’  At  the  time  of  going  from  Boston  to 
Leicester,  the  dress  and  manners  of  himself  and  family,  as  would 
naturally  be  expected,  appeared  very  different  from  those  of  the  inhabi- 
tants longer  settled  in  the  place,  and  accustomed  to  its  modes  of  life. 
This  difference  proved  the  cause  of  some  envy,  and  brought  pride 
from  its  lurking-place.  The  following  anecdote  was  related  to  me  by 
Samuel  Allen,  Esq.,  our  venerable  county  treasurer,  some  allusion 
to  which  I had  heard  many  years  before.  Not  long  after  the  removal 
of  my  grandfather  to  Leicester,  one  of  his  neighbors,  more  remarkable 
for  pride  than  for  good  judgment,  dressed  himself  out  in  the  most  fantas- 
tic and  ridiculous  finery,  — a green  Calimanco  coat,  a gold-laced  hat, 
gaudy  and  parti-colored  small-clothes  and  stockings,  and  withal  a 
huge  sword  dangling  by  his  side ! In  this  queer  costume  he  made  his 
debut  at  church,  where  all  eyes  were  soon  upon  him.  It  seems  he 
expected  not  only  the  admiration,  but  the  respect  of  every  beholder ; 
and,  highly  respecting  himself  in  .his  new  dignity,  would,  every  now 
and  then,  with  much  self-complacency,  survey  himself  from  head  to 
foot,  while  the  whole  congregation  was  obliged  to  exert  every  faculty 
to  preserve  a decent  appearance  of  sobriety.  The  exercises  being 
closed,  the  people,  instead  of  approaching  the  new  dignitary  with  that 
awe  and  respectful  reserve  he  had  anticipated,  crowded  around  him 


100 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


rather  rudely,  pressing  the  taunting  question  from  all  quarters,  ‘ What 
is  the  meaning  of  all  this,  Mr.  X.  ? ’ The  poor  man,  exasperated  by 
their  insults,  and  finding  no  way  of  escape,  made  this  sudden  explosion 
of  the  mystery:  ‘If  I must  tell  you,  it  is  to  let  the  Henshaws  know 
that  there ’s  a God  in  Israel.’  Probably  Mr.  X.  lived  to  have  his 
mortification  increased  by  finding  that  there  was  no  man  in  the  region 
more  remarkable  for  humility  than  his  supposed  proud  neighbor, 
Henshaw,  who  appeared  to  be  in  no  way  solicitous  for  distinction, 
but  rather  avoided  office  and  public  life,  and  lived,  as  he  wished,  a 
peaceful,  contented,  and  exemplary  life.”* 

The  family  brought  with  them  a well-domesticated  dog,  Hero,  - — 
familiarly  known  to  the  households  of  several  friends  in  Boston.  On 
some  occasions  of  sudden  emergency,  when  a journey  could  not  be 
made,  he  performed  most  efficient  service  as  express  carrier  to  rela- 
tives in  Boston.  He  would  receive  verbal  instructions,  apparently  under- 
standing them,  and,  with  the  letter  securely  fastened  to  his  neck,  would 
travel  at  a rapid  pace  over  the  hills  and  valleys,  allowing  himself  no 
rest  till  he  reached  his  destination.  If  he  did  not  gain  admittance  at 
the  first  house  of  resort,  he  would  trot  away  to  another,  where  he  was 
sure  of  a hearty  welcome.  After  sufficient  rest  and  refreshment,  he 
would  listen  attentively  to  the  directions  of  friends,  and  bound  away 
to  deliver  the  return  despatches  to  his  home-friends.  This  practice 
lasted  several  years.  He  was  a valuable  member  of  the  family,  and 
deserved  to  be  ranked  with  the  Heroes  of  the  past. 

William  made  his  first  visit  to  his  native  town  in  the  April  follow- 
ing his  removal  from  it,  and  ever  afterwards  made  it  a frequent 
resort,  it  having  for  him  the  familiarity  and  attractiveness  of  a home. 
Here,  in  early  life,  he  witnessed  scenes  of  thrilling  effect,  — sometimes 
pleasing  and  instructive  entertainments,  sometimes  occasions  of  appall- 
ing fear ; and  here  he  became  acquainted  with  circumstances  of  lasting 
interest  and  importance,  some  of  which,  in  after-life,  he  related  to 
friends  as  mementoes  of  the  past,  or  as  the  germ  of  a rich  fruitage  to 
be  enjoyed  by  them  and  their  posterity. 

In  the  new  home,  much  apart  from  society,  a diffident,  retiring, 
studious  youth,  he  found  time  to  pursue  the  studies  he  had  begun,  to 
cultivate  his  natural  love  of  learning  and  fondness  for  reading,  which 
his  father’s  ample  library  encouraged.  He  gained  further  knowledge 
in  Latin  and  Greek  and  mathematical  application,  the  various  offices 


* Reminiscences,  by  the  late  Daniel  Henshaw. 


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Province  of  the  ? II O MAS  PO  ?TNAL  L Efq; 

#affadmtett^Ba^iCaptain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief,  in  and 

1 over  His  Majeltys  Province  of  tJ  i^Ma/facJjufetts- 

' \ , \ Bay  in  NeW'Etiglatul^ndJ&c  /c//M/r//  c///d/hn<-  Sec 

; ' fP////A7nf/Sryfwtf Meeting. 

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dd/yev/yS  f/rts/ts  yfh  yn/ur-ry  dm  t>  dd-i,  ■ — so  < — /"'i  <• — ^ ~ --  - 


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y/&u  t/Aa//jfrr  nfamt;  & T&iudR , , , , 

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Given  under  nry  Hand  and  Seal  at  Hr  ms  atBosron,  the  ffedfu  /sf.d  — 

Hay  of  df/rt-rH  ^ -g  In  the  Tear  of  the  Reign  of  His 

Majcjty  King  GEORGE  the  Second  Annoq;  Domini,  1 7 yg  J 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


101 


and  employments  of  his  father  affording  opportunity  for  his  practice 
of  the  latter.  He  paid  much  attention  to  penmanship  in  its  various 
forms,  then  considered  indispensable  for  the  many  uses  of  writing. 
The  long  wintry  evenings  were  enlivened  by  relating  incidents  and 
adventures  within  the  experience  or  the  memory  of  the  parents,  by 
readings,  and  by  the  arrival  of  Boston  papers,  the  “ Gazette  ” princi- 
pally. The  limited  advantages  of  country  schools  made  home  educa- 
tion a necessity,  and,  when  their  parents  had  not  time  for  instruction, 
William  found  employment  in  teaching  the  younger  children  what  he 
had  learned  at  their  age,  from  the  Boston  schools. 

Among  the  specimens  of  early  taste  and  employments  of  leisure 
hours  is  a singing-book  then  in  use,  with  many  additional  pages  of 
“New  Tunes,”  made  by  his  hand  in  characters  scarcely  distinguish- 
able from  engraved  scale  and  notes.  Also  an  entire  manuscript 
“ Arithmetick,”  in  beautiful  penmanship,  the  rules,  tables,  and  exam- 
ples drawn  out  as  in  print,  “ with  New  & Curious  Improvements.” 

As  he  advanced  in  years,  he  engaged  in  the  busy  operations  of  agri- 
culture, a school  of  salutary  influence  on  youthful  character,  and  of  prac- 
tical usefulness  in  coming  years,  when  obliged  to  give  up  other  pursuits 
as  a business,  and  enter  more  entirely  upon  the  cultivation  of  his  lands. 

Ou  reaching  the  age  of  twenty-one  (1756),  young  Henshaw  began 
to  receive  wages  of  his  father  at  the  rate  of  “ 30  shillings  pr.  Month,” 
and  so  continued  during  the  warm  season,  or  for  half  the  year,  until 
September,  1761,  excepting  an  absence  in  1759.  The  winters  were 
given  to  studies,  school-keeping,  or  employments  in  the  stores  of  his 
brothers  and  other  relatives  at  Boston.  He  was  also  engaged  in 
various  business  transactions  for  himself,  chiefly  in  husbandry. 

In  March,  1759,  he  was  led  to  join  the  numbers  of  those  in 
Worcester  County  who  enlisted  in  the  French  War.  While  at  Boston 
he  was  notified  of  his  appointment  as  follows  : — 

“Boston,  Apr.  10,  1759. 

Sir, — You  being  appointed  a Lieu!  in  the  Regiment  commanded 
by  the  Honb.'e  Brigadier  Gen!  Ruggles  for  the  ensueing  Campaigne 
against  Canada, 

You  are  therefore  to  repair  forthwith  to  Worcester,  and  there  to 
apply  to  the  Commanding  Officer  for  further  Orders. 

N.  B.  You  will  receive  your  Commission  therefor. 

By  Order  of  his  Honor  the  Brigadier  Gen! 

Joseph  Ingersoll,  Lt.  Col.'” 

Addressed  “To  Lieu!  William  Henshaw,  Leicester.” 


102 


REMINISCENCES  OP 


While  visiting  friends,  he  obtained  the  military  accoutrements  of  his 
uncle  Joshua  Hensbaw  and  many  other  supplies,  a large  amount  of 
stationery  included.  Among  the  items  of  clothing,  or  dress,  “ an  a la 
mode  Neck  cloth,”  the  customary  “ Wigg,”  and  the  indispensable 
“pomatum,”  the  “sleeve-buttons,”  and  the  “knee-buckles,”  and  “a 
Bible,  27s.”  lie  also  received  his  commission  as  second  lieutenant  from 
Governor  Pownall,  of  whom  he  heard  his  uncle  speak  in  pleasing  terms, 
then  and  afterwards,  as  one  whose  administration  was  so  acceptable 
and  beneficial,  and  of  whom  it  is  said  “ No  inmate  of  the  Province 
House  was  more  respected  or  more  regretted.”  * “ And  to  his  lasting 

honor  it  should  be  remembered  that  he  always  remained  the  friend  of 
the  Colony,  even  in  the  darkest  trials  of  the  Revolution.  This,  though 
well  known,  cannot  be  too  often  mentioned.”  f 

According  to  instructions  he  repaired  to  Worcester,  and  received 
marching  orders,  dated  May  9,  1759.  “The  Carriages  to  be  loaded 
by  Day  Break  to  Morrow  Morning,  and  all  the  Troops  that  have  past 
Muster  to  gett  themselves  ready  to  march  to  Morrow  Morning  bv  Sun- 
rise.” On  Thursday,  May  10,  he  “sat  out  from  Leicester,  stop’t  at 
Sargeaut’s,  (a  public  house)  for  the  Billeting  Roll,  £14 — 8 — 6 Sterling, 
went  to  Brother  Denny’s  to  lodge.”  Next  day  overtook  the  company. 
This  was  a new  company  of  fresh  recruits,  sixty-two  in  number,  includ- 
ing officers,  in  carriages  and  on  horses,  to  thread  their  route  through 
the  wilderness.  After  a fatiguing  ride  of  fourteen  days  through  “ the 
Green  Woods,”  over  “the  Mountains,”  and  through  “the  Contending 
Lands,”  they  reached  Albany,  where  they  “drawed  Tents  and  Provi- 
sions, and  encamped  on  the  Hill  100  Rods  from  Albany  City.”  He 
kept  a diary,  and  briefly  recorded  every  day’s  events  from  the  time  of 
leaving  home  until  his  return  the  next  November.  These  he  noted  in 
a small  green  leather  or  morocco  book  with  clasp  fastening,  writing 
upon  the  first  page,  “ William  Henshaw’s  Orderly  & Journal  Book. 
Bought  at  Fort  Edward,  June  13th,  1759.  Price  4/6  York  Cur- 
rency.” This  book,  with  the  “Regimental  Orders”  issued  by  Lieut. - 
Colonel  Ingersoll,  “ The  Billeting  Roll  of  Capt.  Jeduthan  Baldwin’s 
Company,  in  Col.  Tim0.  Ruggle’s  Regiment  from  the  Day  of  Enlist- 
ment to  that  of  the  Men’s  receiving  the  King’s  Provision,”  and  “ A 
List  of  Cap1.  Whiting’s  Detatchment  in  Garrison  from  the  1st  Battal- 
ion Col0.  Ruggle’s  Regiment,  Fort  Edward,  13th  June,  1759,”  are  still 


* S.  A.  Drake’s  Old  Landmarks  and  Historic  Personages  of  Boston, 
t Drake’s  Hist.  Boston,  Vol.  II. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


103 


in  preservation,  attesting  the  fidelity  and  devotedness  of  these  young 
provincials  to  the  interests  of  their  royal  sovereign.  A few  extracts 
from  this  journal  may  be  a specimen  of  their  experience. 

Camp  on  Albany  Hill,  28'*  May. — Parole,  “Massachusetts.” 
Orders  for  desertion  to  be  read  to  the  Provincials.  The  following  de- 
tachment to  be  made  of  the  following  Troops.  They  are  to  be  proper 
men  for  bateau  service : Massachusetts  — Connecticut  — New  Jersey  — 
Rhode  Island. 

This  detachment  to  march  tomorrow  morning  to  Schenaetada — all 
to  provide  themselves  immediately  with  everything  they  want  to  carry, 
that  the  men  be  ready  to  march  at  the  least  notice. 

June  5.  — Went  over  the  Falls  and  loaded,  went  to  Fort  Millen 
and  unloaded.  Drawed  our  batteaux  by  land  1 mile.  J.  P.  whipped 
25  lashes  for  im — p — ce.  Arrived  at  Fort  Edward  at  7 o’clock. 
Paraded  — called  up  to  mount  guard. 

June  13.  — A Rhode  Island  man  whipped  400  lashes.  In  p.  m. 
drawed  lots  to  go  to  Fort  Edward  to  keep  it.  200  of  the  Mass, 
forces,  90  of  the  Jersey  Blues  stationed  there.  — 200  of  the  Bay  men 
sent  to  Half-Way  Brook  — 150  gone  to  bateauing — 25  at  teaming, 
about  300  in  camp. 

June  14. — Drawed  a list  of  our  men  in  Fort  Edward.  Two  R.  I. 
men  whipped.  One,  1000  lashes,  the  other,  500  lashes. 

July  23.  — Received  the  Boston  Gazette  of  the  16th  inst.  Read  the 
news  of  Samuel  Lynde’s  house  being  blown  over  by  a Hurricane ; * 
also  the  death  of  Sir  William  Pepperill.  In  the  evening  heard  a ser- 
mon preached  by  Mr.  Pomroy,  Chaplain  of  a Connecticut  regiment, 
who  lodged  with  us  at  night. 

July  28.  — News  by  Col.  Amherst,  that  Ticonderoga  is  in  the  hands 
of  the  English,  the  26th  inst.  in  the  night.  Set  on  a court-martial 
to  try  2 teamsters  for  stealing  the  King’s  flour.  Sentenced  200 
lashes  each.  One  pardoned,  the  other  received  75  lashes.  Other  pris- 
oners pardoned  at  news  of  Ticonderoga  being  taken. 

Sept.  20.  — This  morning  Dr.  Steele  t sat  out  for  Little  Falls  up  the 


* A circumstantial  account  of  this  disaster  is  given  in  the  History  of 
Leicester. 

t A Surgeon’s  Mate,  from  Leicester. 


14 


104 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


Mohawk  River.  I walked  with  him  3 or  4 miles,  returned  and  went 
to  the  island  — wrote  all  day,  &c. : next  day  staid  in  fort  and  settled 
accounts  with  officers.  To  visit  barracks  tomorrow,  Lt.  Ilenshaw  ; 
the  bridge  and  block-house  No.  4 to  be  relieved  tomorrow.  Capt. 
Luce,  Lt.  Fest,  Ensign  Freeman,  and  Lieut.  Ilenshaw,  and  Mr.  Wash- 
ington, commissary  for  the  Crown,  to  inspect  some  provision  said 
to  be  damnified,  tomorrow  morning  at  11  o’clock. 

Fort  Edward,  16"‘  Oct.  — Parole,  “ Quebec.”  Heard  the  News  of 
Quebec  being  taken,  Gen.  Wolfe  and  Col.  Monckton  killed — Gen. 
Montcalm  and  the  first  and  second  next  in  command,  with  1500  killed 
and  made  prisoners. 

Oct.  21. — Heard  that  the  Court  had  voted  to  keep  the  Massachu- 
setts troops  in  pay  till  12th  Dec.,  at  the  desire  of  the  General,  if  the 
service  require  it. 

Oct.  31.  — Went  with  a party  of  56  men  to  cut  wood  — cut  and 
corded  37  cords.  Capt.  F.  from  the  Lake  reports  they  expect  the 
Provincials  will  desert  tomorrow. 

Fort  Edward,  Nov.  1.— -The  officers  in  the  garrison  to  be  drawn 
up  by  dawn  of  day,  to  stop  the  men  in  case  they  should  attempt 
to  desert.  1 8 or  20  of  the  Jersey  Blues  marched  out  of  the  bar- 
racks with  their  firelocks  and  haversacks.  Six  or  seven  were 
stopped  before  they  got  out  of  the  sally-port.  One  was  whipped 
immediately. 

Camp  near  Crown  Point,  Nov.  7. — Joined  in  a mess  with  Lt.  In- 
gersoll,  Lt.  Bond  and  Ensign  Sellon.  Went  to  Crown  Point.  Viewed 
the  old  and  new  forts.  Went  to  Brigadier  Euggles.  Returned  at 
sunset,  and  spent  the  evening  with  Col.  Ingersoll.  Was  warned  for 
fatigue  to-morrow.  Report  that  our  troops  are  to  be  discharged 
next  Sunday. 

Nov.  10. — Camp  near  Crown  Point.  The  King’s  birthday.  Went 
to  Crown  Point  — the  English  flag  hoisted  in  the  new  fort.  The 
Grenadiers  drawed  up,  fired  three  times ; a band  of  musick  followed 
them.  Towards  evening  the  regiments  drawed  up  and  fired;  the 
cannon  all  discharged  at  the  new  fort,  and  great  rejoyceiug  throughout 
the  camp  on  that  occasion. 

Nov.  16. — -Up  at  4 o’clock.  Rainy,  bad  weather  for  a march. 
Battalion  set  out  for  the  Point.  Settled  the  bateau  accompt  with  Col. 
Robinson,  and  set  off  an  hour  after  battalion.  Overtook  them  at  the 
place  of  encampment  four  miles  distance ; returned  in  pursuit  of  our 
baggage  left  behind.  Ensign  Sellon  and  I got  information  that  the 

Oo  O O O 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


105 


guard  on  the  east  side  of  the  lake  had  taken  it.  Determine  to  pur- 
sue it  in  the  morning.  Lodged  at  Capt.  Baldwin’s. 

Nov.  17.  — Crown  Point.  Rose  at  daylight.  Breakfasted  with 
Capt.  Baldwin.  Went  to  Maj.  Montgomery  and  informed  him  of  our 
loss.  He  ordered  the  relieving  guard  to  search  the  old  guard’s  packs. 
Searched  but  did  not  find.  I looked  about  the  old  logs  and  found 
spoons,  etc.  The  guard  assisted  me  in  searching  for  the  baggage, 
and  found  it  all  concealed  in  a valley.  . . . Col.  Schuyler’s  regiment 
sailed  to-day.  Set  off  after  2 p.m.  ; encamped  at  dark  about  17  miles 
from  the  lake,  without  any  fire.  Cloudy  day. 

Nov.  18. — Ensign  Sellon  and  I set  out  at  daylight.  Overtook  a 
party  of  15  men  belonging  to  Cols.  Whiting  and  Worcester’s  regi- 
ments. About  12  o’clock  found  a Hampshire  lad  in  the  woods,  whose 
name  was  Edward  Lynde  of  Somersworth  in  New  Hampshire.  He  was 
most  dead  with  scurvy,  cold  and  itch,  and  had  been  in  the  woods  four 
or  five  days  ; he  said  he  could  not  move.  I gave  him  some  chocolate  to 
drink,  which  refreshed  him,  but  I could  by  no  means  persuade  him  to 
try  to  move,  till  I threatened  him,  which  made  him  cry : he  walked 
four  miles,  when  I encamped,  and  gave  him  hot  chocolate  for  supper. 
He  is  exceedingly  thankful  for  my  forcing  him  along. 

Nov.  19.  — Monday,  fair.  Set  out  at  break  of  day.  The  lad  that  I took 
up  in  the  woods,  I committed  to  the  care  of  a sergeant  and  twelve  men  of 
the  Connecticut,  after  I had  seen  him  washed  and  scoured  from  head  to 
foot.  Then  Ensign  Sellon  and  I travelled  apace  to  joyn  our  regiment. 

Nov.  21.  — Set  out  at  break  of  day.  Overtook  General  of  our 
company  at  10  o’clock;  the  Brigadier,  at  12;  he’d  sprained  his 
ankle.  Crossed  a terrible  mountain , just  at  dark,  a mile  over,  and 
very  steep;  encamp’d  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  18  miles  from 
last  night’s  encampment.  Ate  three  pints  of  chocolate  for  supper. 
Have  been  without  provision  and  fared  hard  these  two  or  three  days. 
The  regiment’s  provision  all  gone. 

Nov.  24. — Went  to  the  old  fort.  Forty  men  detached  from  our 
regiment  to  go  back  and  bring  in  the  sick.  Drawed  meat.  No 
bread  in  the  town.  Went  and  lodged  at  No.  3,  or  Walpole.  Paid 
the  men  the  billeting  money ; 3s.  sterling  per  man.  Drawed  one 
day’s  allowance  of  meat  and  flour.  Went  to  No.  2,  or  Westmore- 
land, eight  miles  — thence  to  Upper  Ashavillet  or  Keene,  eight  miles 
— thence  to  the  town,  four  miles ; supped  at  the  tavern  — thence  to 
Swanzey,  four  miles.  Lodged  at  Mr.  Carpenter’s. 

Nov.  28.  Wednesday.  Home,  at  Leicester,  at  2 o’clock,  etc.,  etc. 


106 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


These  were  eventful  campaigns,  each  day  being  employed  in  active, 
and  often  in  very  laborious,  service,  with  but  little  to  relieve  monotony 
and  hardship,  — a service,  however,  cheerfully  rendered  to  increase  the 
number  and  strength  of  the  British  Dominions  in  North  America.  A 
rainy  day  or  some  other  favoring  circumstance  was  employed  in  “ help- 
ing the  sutler  post  his  books,”  or  “ to  settle  accompts  with  officers,”  &c., 
while  every  opportunity  to  write  to  friends  at  home  and  elsewhere  by 
post  or  by  individuals  was  eagerly  improved;  and  the  arrival  of  letters 
and  papers  from  New  England*  was  a high  enjoyment,  worthy  of  note. 
Lieutenant  Henshaw  cultivated  the  friendship  of  his  captain,  but  a few 
years  his  senior,  — a friendship  renewed  in  after-years  under  circum- 
stances much  changed.  In  a condensed  statement  of  experience  at 
this  period,  Lieutenant  Henshaw  uses  this  expression : “ I joined 
Gen!  Ruggles  Reg!  ...  In  the  month  of  June,  I was  taken  from 
the  Provincials  and  did  duty  in  one  of  the  British  Regiments  under 
Gen!  Amherst,  which  afforded  me  an  opportunity  of  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  discipline .” 

This  “ opportunity  ” was  well  improved,  and,  as  occasion  called  for 
it,  was  afterward  turned  to  good  account,  when  “ discipline  ” had  a 
new  significance.  The  “ Bay  Men,”  the  “ Rhode  Islanders,”  the  “ Jer- 
sey Blues,”  and  other  loyal  troops  felt  afresh  the  smarting  of  the  lashes 
here  received,  when,  soon  after,  the  “ burthens  ” of  taxation  and  op- 
pression became  too  heavy  to  be  borne,  as  they  were  called  upon  to 
pay  anew  the  expense  of  the  same  conquest  they  and  their  fallen  com- 
rades had  helped  to  secure  at  so  much  cost. 


* Letters  received  from  friends  attest  the  readiness  of  the  people  in  all  parts 
to  furnish  aid  in  the  conquest  of  Canada.  His  brother  Benjamin,  of  Connecti- 
cut, mentions  the  departure  of  troops  from  that  colony,  and  adds  : “ Our  people 
are  prodigiously  spirited  to  help  in  the  work.”  His  father  mentions  more  recruits 
from  Massachusetts. 

“ Leicester,  June  23, 1759. 

“ Sox  William,  — I reed  yours  of  13th  Instant,  wherein  we  are  very  glad  to 
learn  that  you  are  so  hearty  & well  ever  since  you  went  from  us.  Wee  hope 
these  will  find  you  so  as  they  part  with  us.  It  is  remarkable  (and  a thankful 
Notice  should  be  taken  of  the  good  Providence  of  God)  that  the  Army,  so  large 
as  it  is,  should  be  so  well.  I hope  they  will  continue  so.  Your  Recruits  went 
| by  here  last  Week.  Wee  hear  that  the  Fleet  has  sailed  up  the  river,  and  that 
Admiral  Durrell  has  taken  a French  Man  of  Warr,  two  Transports,  and  Sunk 
another  Man  of  Warr.  Wee  wait  to  hear  it  confirmed.  Wee  all  of  us  wrote  to 
you  and  sent  it  by  Cap*  Maynyard  of  Westburg  [Westboro’.j  Wee  all  of  us 
send  our  Love  to  you. 

“ I am  your  affectionate  Father, 

“ Daniel  Henshaw.” 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


107 


On  returning  home,  after  due  time  spent  in  receiving  congratula- 
tions from  friends,  and  in  visits  to  Boston  and  Connecticut,  lie  resumed 
agricultural  pursuits  with  his  father,  as  before,  for  half  the  year. 
About  this  time  he  began  to  improve  and  cultivate  the  parcel  of 
land  — a portion  of  his  homestead  lot  — given  him  by  his  father,  and 
thus  described  in  his  own  writing : — 

“I,  Daniel  Henshaw,  of  Leicester,  Worcester  County,  in  the  Prov- 
ince of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  Gent”,  for  and  in 
Consideration  of  the  natural  Love  and  Affection  which  I have  and  do 
bear  unto  my  Son  William  Henshaw  of  Leicester  aforesaid  in  sd. 
County  of  Worcester,  Gent", — Have  given,  granted,  aliened,  Released, 
Infeoffed,  Conveyed  and  Confirmed,  and  by  these  Presents,  do  fully 
and  absolutely  give,  grant,  aliene,  &c.,  certain  parcels  as  follows  : . . . 
being  parts  of  my  homestead  Farm,  and  of  the  3d  Division  of  my  origi- 
nal house  Lot  laid  out  to  me  Novr  30,  1753  — together  with  ye  Privi- 
lege of  a Way,  two  Rods  wide,  from  my  present  dwelling  House  to 
and  through  ye  described  piece  of  land  — to  hold,  use,  occupy,  possess, 
and  enjoy  or  dispose  of  the  same  or  any  part  thereof,  without  any 
Manner  of  Lett,  Suit,  Denial,  Contradiction,  Eviction  or  Ejection  of 
me,  ye  said  Daniel  Henshaw,  or  any  other  person  or  persons  whatso- 
ever, of,  by,  from  or  under  me  — Signed  this  3d  Day  of  Dec”.  in  the 
34th  Year  of  the  Reign  of  King  George  the  Second  of  Great  Britain, 
&c.  Anuoque  Domini  1760,  Daniel  Henshaw. 

“ Before  me  Thos  Steele,  Justice  Pacis. 

“ His  ‘Fee’  for  acknowledging  said  Deed  being  1/. 

“ Recd  & Recor.  in  the  Records  of  Deeds  for  sd  County,  pr 

“J.  Chandler,  Regr.” 

“ his  ‘ Fee  ’ being  2/.” 

This  lot  and  another  “ after  division  ” purchased  of  his  father,  with 
building  a barn  upon  the  same,  and  making  a roadway  thereto  (the 
same  one  still  in  use),  required  much  time  and  outlay.  These  and  a 
few  trading  negotiations,  a little  venture  in  the  “Land  Bank”  enter- 
prise, etc.,  occupied  these  years,  till  September  21,  1761,  when  lie 
began  the  business  of  country  merchant  or  shopkeeper  in  the  large 
building  at  the  foot  of  Meetinghouse  Hill,  where  it  meets  Flip  Lane, 
erected,  and  originally  occupied,  by  Judge  Thomas  Steele,  afterwards 
owned  and  occupied  by  Dr.  Pliny  Lawton.  He  purchased  goods  of 
various  kinds  of  his  brother  Joseph  and  uncles  Joshua  and  William* 


* In  business  transactions  with  his  relatives  at  Boston,  his  bills  were  made 


108 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


Henshaw,  and  uncles  and  cousins  of  the  Bass  families.  His  accounts 
also  show  “ invoices,”  “ bills  of  merchandise,”  and  receipts  from  various 
other  well-known  leading  merchants,  — John  Hancock,  Peter  Jolionnot, 
the  Messrs.  Stevenson,  Edward  and  Giles  Church.  Here  he  continued 
in  business  about  nine  years.  Within  this  time  he  was  married,  his  first 
three  children  were  born,  and  his  youthful  wife  died,  which  event  he 
thus  touchingly  records  : — 

“ Ruth  Henshaw  Deceased  Jany  1st,  1769,  aged  25  Years  — has  left 
a sorrowful  husband  and  three  children  to  mourn  for  ye  loss  of  so  good 
a Wife  and  Mother.” 

In  the  year  1771  he  removed  to  the  house  he  had  built  upon  his 
lot  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  town,  which  he  occupied  until  after  his 
father’s  decease,  when  he  removed  to  a house  upon  another  portion  of 
the  “ Homestead  Lott,”  where  he  lived  during  the  remainder  of  life. 
The  want  of  schools  at  first,  and  afterwards  their  distance  from  his 
dwelling,  made  it  necessary  to  instruct  his  children,  which  he  did  regu- 
larly, until  called  from  home  by  the  necessity  of  war,  and  on  his 
return  this  practice  was  resumed.  The  two  oldest  children  had  no 
other  instruction.  The  third  child,  William,  a sprightly,  promising 
boy,  — his  constant  companion  in  the  employment  of  the  field  and 
elsewhere,  — he  took  an  especial  delight  in  teaching,  as,  with  a father’s 
fondness  and  pride,  he  looked  hopefully  to  the  child’s  future.  His 
sudden  and  shocking  death,  at  the  age  of  six  years,  in  the  father’s 
absence,  and  by  the  shot  of  a gun,  caused  an  anguish  not  to  be  re- 
lieved by  words.  He  long  remained  speechless  on  this  occasion,  and 
for  many  years  he  mourned  over  such  a loss.  This  took  place  June  9, 
1772.  Business  purposes,  in  addition  to  the  usual  social  intercourse, 
caused  still  more  intercourse  and  communication  with  friends  in  Bos- 
ton. An  uncle,  already  mentioned  as  one  of  whom  he  made  his 
largest  purchases,  and  with  whom  he  held  a friendly  correspondence, 
Joshua  Henshaw,  was  one  of  the  ardent  and  devoted  patriots  of  the 
day.  Commercial  and  mercantile  pursuits,  with  other  employments 
and  offices,  led  to  the  formation  of  an  extensive  acquaintance.  With 
a heart  and  purse  ever  open  to  appeals  for  aid,  whether  public  or  pri- 


out  to  William  Henshaw,  Jr.,  anti  he  continued  to  be  called  “junior”  until  the 
death  of  this  uncle,  1783.  It  was  of  this  uncle  that  lie  related  to  his  children,  in 
the  latter  part  of  his  own  life,  the  story  of  his  mounting  the  high  snow-banks 
one  severely  cold  winter  in  the  days  of  his  youth,  and  sitting  upon  the  arm  of  the 
sign-post  at  the  White  Horse  Tavern,  with  his  feet  resting  on  the  snow  beneath. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


109 


Tate,  his  compassion  and  benevolence  were  in  constant  exercise,  while 
his  house  was  the  seat  of  wide  and  generous  hospitality.  The  dis- 
tressed and  unfortunate  found  in  him  sympathy  and  solace ; those 
seeking  his  advice,  in  times  of  public  gloom  and  calamity,  found  light, 
wisdom,  and  guidance.  His  house  u'as  a resort  of  that  patriot  band 
who  used  to  meet,  frequently  and  in  private,  at  each  others’  houses  to 
consult  on  momentous  questions ; to  concert  measures  for  the  security 
of  their  rights  and  liberties;  to  form  resolutions;  to  originate  such 
modes  of  addressing  the  people  as  would  point  out  their  wrongs  and 
dangers,  and  lead  to  united  action  in  resisting  arbitrary  power.  Of 
this  number  were  John  and  Samuel  Adams,  John  Hancock,  Dr.  Joseph 
Warren  (also  a professional  visitor),  James  Otis,  Dr.  Benjamin  Church, 
William  Molineux,  with  some  of  whom  he  was  intimately  associated 
at  home,  and,  when  obliged  to  flee  from  Boston,  in  correspondence 
with  them.  They  were  of  the  class  styled,  by  Gov.  Bernard,  “ the 
faction,”  — mischief-makers,  zealously  bent  on  poisoning  the  minds  of 
the  people  and  bringing  ruin  to  all.  Coming  from  such  a source,  this 
is  strong  proof  of  his  exalted  patriotism  ; and  his  rejection,  subse- 
quently, by  the  same  royal  governor,  from  the  Executive  Council, 
furnishes  gratifying  evidence  of  his  incorruptible  integrity  and  stead- 
fast adherence  to  holy  principle. 

“ I consent  to  ye  election  of  ye  Gentlemen  before  named,  Except 
ye  Hon’l  William  Brattle,  James  Bowdoin,  Jos.  Gerrish,  Thomas 
Saunders,  John  Hancock,  Artemas  Ward,  James  Otis,  Ben-n  Green- 
leaf,  Jerithmiel  Bowers,  Joshua  Henshaw,  Nath’l  Spooner,  to  ye  elec- 
tion of  whom  I don’t  consent. 

“Fra.  Bernard,  Gov. 

“ Province  House,  June  1,  1769.”  * 

His  nephew  and  son-in-law,  Joseph  Henshaw,  a resident  of  the 
town  until  he  too  w7as  compelled  to  flee  from  it,  also  met  wflth  these 
factious  spirits,  and  early  began  a career  of  devotion  to  the  interests 
of  the  Colony,  aiding  by  pen,  speech,  vrealth,  and  personal  influence 
and  effort,  throughout  the  long  struggle  for  independence.  In  the 
words  of  another,  “ he  had  been  a successful  and  opulent  merchant ; 
and  to  sustain  the  credit  of  the  Colonies  he  poured  out  his  wealth  like 
water.”  f 

In  a familiar  letter,  dated  Jan.  27,  1781,  to  his  intimate  friend  and 


* Bee.  Gen.  Court. 


t II.  G.  Henshaw. 


110 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


classmate,  General  Artemas  Ward,  then  a member  of  Congress  at 
Philadelphia,  on  the  subject  of  continental  loan  certificates,  he  says  : 
“ In  giving  you  a detail  of  my  own  case,  I represent  thousands  in  the 
same  predicament.  While  the  Town  of  Boston  was  occupied  by  the 
British  troops,  I sustained  a loss  of  £2,000  sterling,  in  Houses  there 
which  were  singled  out  and  destroyed,  as  belonging  to  one  of  the 
greatest  rebels  then  in  the  Massachusetts  Army  at  Cambridge.  After- 
wards, I sold  the  Residue  of  my  Estate  to  furnish  Congress  with  what 
money  I could  raise  to  carry  on  the  War.”  This  is  followed  by  an 
account  of  loans  for  a period  of  several  years,  amounting  to  $60,000 
more.  He  suffered  great  loss  by  depreciation,  and  this  “ notwithstanding 
the  Creditors  or  Lenders  to  Government  bottomed  their  property  on 
the  fate  of  their  Country,  to  stand  or  fall  with  it.” 

At  this  familiar  visiting-place  William  Henshaw  learned  from  the 
lips  of  his  uncle  the  sentiments,  opinions,  and  purposes  of  distinguished 
men,  sometimes  meeting  them  there,  and  forming  an  acquaintance  or 
friendship  prized  and  enjoyed  elsewhere  in  subsequent  years.  This 
was  a source  of  light  for  him,  a direct  and  potent  influence,  which,  in 
connection  with  other  means,  led  him  to  view  with  due  consideration 
the  serious  question  before  them  all,  and  to  form  a somewhat  just 
estimate  of  the  magnitude  of  the  contest  entered  upon,  and  of  its 
immense  issues. 

Here,  too.  the  youthful  sons,  Joshua  Jr.  and  Andrew  Henshaw, 
looked  upon  the  busy  scene  of  action,  and  were  in  early  life  inspired 
by  the  spirit  of  liberty,  learning  the  lessons  of  devotion  and  sacrifice. 
They  held  a correspondence  with  their  cousins  William  and  David,  at 
Leicester,  throughout  the  exciting  period  of  ten  years  preceding  the 
Revolutionary  War,  giving  an  interesting  narration  of  the  most  impor- 
tant public  events  then  transpiring. 

Joshua  entered  into  business  connection  with  his  father  soon  after 
completing  his  studies  (he  was  graduated  at  Harvard  College,  1763, 
at  the  age  of  seventeen),  and  continued  therein  as  long  as  commerce 
could  be  maintained ; and  remained  in  Boston  while  it  was  safe  to  be 
there.  His  well-known  zeal  in  the  struggles  of  the  colony,  and  effi- 
cient service  on  committees,  made  him  a mark  for  the  British  officials. 
He  suffered  much  loss,  as  well  as  his  relatives,  by  the  destruction  of 
property,  by  conflagrations,  and  by  the  depreciation  of  paper  currency. 
In  times  of  great  peril,  when  obliged  to  flee,  he  would  spend  a season 
with  friends  at  a distance,  Leicester  being  a favorite  resort  for  himself 
as  well  as  for  his  father,  and  younger  brother,  Andrew,  who  was 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


Ill 


another  of  the  stirring  spirits  of  that  time ; he  was  graduated  at 
Harvard  College,  1768,  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  He,  also,  was  asso- 
ciated with  his  father  in  business  for  a time.  Although  he  did  not 
engage  in  military  conflict  to  aid  his  country,  he  rendered  useful 
service  in  the  civil  department.  He  was  Clerk  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  when  his  cousin  William  was  a Representative  to 
the  General  Court,  1780,  and  soon  after  Clerk  of  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Circuit  Court,  in  which  office  he  died,  December,  1782,  aged 
thirty  years. 

When  the  father’s  attention  was  given  to  the  duties  of  public  office, 
and  to  the  absorbing  interests  of  the  hour,  the  sons  conducted  business 
operations,  mercantile  and  distillery,  writing  the  business  letters  to 
their  cousin  William  while  a country  dealer  or  merchant.  Some  of 
these  letters  contained  items  of  greater  import  than  mere  business 
transactions,  while  others,  as  already  stated,  were  almost  wholly  the 
recital  of  important  events,  and  of  occurrences  to  which  the  writer  was 
an  eye-witness.  Of  the  latter  class  is  one  dated 

“Boston,  May  31 : 1766. 

“ Couzn  William,—  ....  The  Joy  diffused  through  People 
of  almost  every  Station,  upon  the  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act,  was  truly 
pleasing ; for  I could  scarce  meet  any  Person  but  had  a Smile  which 
indicated  Satisfaction.  I wished,  and  was  in  Hopes  to  have  had  you 
here  to  view  the  various  Expressions  of  this  Joy  — the  Illuminations, 
Bonfires,  Fireworks  of  all  Kinds,  which  made  the  most  splendid 
Appearance  of  any  Thing  of  the  like  Nature  here.  The  good  Order 
and  Decency  with  which  every  Thing  was  conducted,  compleated  it. 
I need  not  mention  to  you  the  Governor’s  negativing  Mr.  Otis  as 
Speaker  of  the  House,  and  six  Counsellors.  You  have  it  all  with 
his  excellent  Speech  in  the  last  Paper,  and  in  Thursday’s,  will  have 
the  Answer. 

“Make  my  best  Regards  to  all  Relations  and  Friends.  When  it  is 
in  my  Power  to  serve  you,  rely  upon  it  I shall  with  Pleasure ; wishing 
for  an  Opportunity,  am 

“Your  real  Friend 

“ Joshua  Henshaw,  Junr.” 

Another  letter  shows  the  unity  of  sentiment  and  action  between  the 
town  where  such  movements  originated,  and  that  of  the  one  to  whom 
it  is  addressed  : — 


15 


112 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


“Boston  Dec:  10:  1767. 

“ Couzn  William,  — I have  given  your  Acct.  Credit  for  £9.  4/, 
and  sent  a Receipt  for  the  same  pr.  Mr.  Denny.  The  Shalloon  for 

your  Cloaths  is  well  matched,  I think It  gives  me 

Pleasure  to  observe  that  the  Measures  taken  by  the  Town  of  Boston 
for  promoting  Frugality,  Economy  and  Manufactures,  meet  not  only 
with  the  Approbation  of  your  Town,  but  of  many  Towns  in  this  and 
the  neighboring  Governments,  a Demonstration  of  which  is  their 
joining  in  the  identical  Method. 

“ I was  in  Hopes  to  have  seen  you  down  before  this.  Accept  my 
best  Regards,  present  them  to  your  wife,  and  to  Revd  Sir.*  In  a 
Word,  remember  me  to  all  Relations  and  Friends  in  that  Way  you 
shall  judge  agreeable  to  your  Friend  & Humble  Ser', 

“Joshua  IIenshaw,  Jun”. 

“ Inclosed  you  have  the  Description  of  the  Political  Water-House 
Rat,  his  Cooke  and  Cat,  all  which  is  emblematical  of  his  Poverty  and 
Expectation  of  Gain  by  a Post,  which  he  intends  to  obtain  by  his 
writing  Pieces  signed  ‘T.  B.,’ ‘ A true  Patriot,’  ‘Amicus,’  and  ‘ The 
Trader : ’ with  others  of  the  same  Kind.  As  you  don’t  see  the 
Evening  Post,  you  will  be  at  a Loss  to  know  precisely  the  Contents 
of  them,  but  may  easily  conclude  that  they  favour  what  we  call  the 
wrong  Side  of  the  Question,  and  are  against  the  Whiggs.” 

After  this  time,  for  several  years,  all  letters  written  by  him  in  rela- 
tion to  public  affairs,  as  the  dictate  of  prudence,  were  signed  “ Incog- 
nito,” or  “ Anonymous.”  Some  of  these  were  descriptive  of  scenes  of 
violence  and  bloodshed,  in  the  various  disturbances  and  affrays  between 
the  soldiery  and  citizens,  the  landing  and  the  removal  of  foreign 
troops.  They  give  accounts  of  public  meetings  held  at  Liberty  Hall, 
Faneuil  Hall,  and  the  Old  South  Meeting-house,  to  discuss  poli- 
tical questions.  Remonstrances  against  the  encroachments  of  the 
administration,  excited  controversies  between  crown  officials  and  the 
citizens,  and  the  appointment  of  various  committees  to  wait  upon 
the  governor,  with  the  result  of  such  conferences  and  petitions,  are 
related.  Sometimes  the  acts  of  the  Provincial  Congress  are  given, 
from  notes  taken  on  the  spot,  and  the  antagonistic  spirit  of  the 
executive  is  shown. 

A long  communication,  in  three  parts,  in  June,  1768,  gives  an 


* Rev.  Benjamin  Conklin,  whose  wife  was  a sister  of  William  Henshaw’s  wife. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


113 


account  of  the  seizure  of  John  Hancock’s  sloop,  the  “ Liberty,”  by 
custom-house  officers,  on  the  charge  of  false  entry,  and  the  consequent 
action  of  those  affected  by  this  aggression.  This  communication  was 
followed  by  the  relation  of  other  occurrences  of  public  interest  during 
that  year,  — of  public  assemblies,  encounters  between  the  soldiers 
and  citizens,  and  an  attempt  on  the  part  of  the  former  to  excite  negroes 
to  insurrection,  or,  if  their  masters  were  Liberty  Boys,  to  desertion. 
The  letters  contained  information  of  the  desertions  of  greuadiers  from 
Col.  Dalrymple’s  and  other  regiments,  also  of  various  devices  and 
“ stratagems  ” to  recover  deserters,  giving  the  circumstances  of  the 
capture  and  the  doom  of  Richard  Ames  of  Dalrymple’s  regiment,  who 
had  found  refuge  and  employment  at  Framingham,  near  Col.  Buck- 
minster’s home.  With  the  caution,  and  request  to  circulate  the  caution, 
to  guard  against  receiving  or  informing  any  'pretended  deserters,  he 
connects  the  advice  to  “ treat  them  all  kindly,  and  ask  no  questions 
for  conscience’  sake.” 

The  following  letter  has  interesting  allusions  : — 

© © 

“Boston,  June  7,  1769. 

“ CouzN  William,  — I have  transcribed  Mr.  Denny’s  Instructions, 
and  put  them  in  that  Order  which  I thought  was  proper,  and  which 
you,  (the  Want  of  Time  excepted,)  would  have  done.  I have  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  them  in  Print,  and  of  hearing  them  approved.  The 
House  have  not  done  any  Business  since  the  Session,  only  respecting 
the  Guards  and  Cannon.  The  Governour  in  his  Message  tells  them 
he  has  no  Authority  over  his  Majesty’s  Forces  here,  although  in  the 
Resolutions  of  both  Houses  of  Parliament  it  is  expressly  said  that  the 
military  Power  is  sent  to  aid  the  civil  Authority,  and  to  be  Subject 
thereto.  A Committee  has  been  appointed  to  consider  the  Gover- 
nour’s  Message,  and  reported  last  Saturday : The  Substance  of  which 
Report  is,  that  it  is  difficult  to  conceive  that  the  military  Power  came 
to  aid  the  civil  Authority,  and  to  be  Subject  thereto,  and  the  Gover- 
nour, as  supreme  Magistrate,  has  no  Authority  over  them.  The  further 
Consideration  of  which  Report  is  to  come  this  Afternoon.  When  it 
was  read,  there  was  an  Objection  to  one  Paragraph,  and  it  was  recom- 
mitted for  an  Amendment. 

“ The  Speaker  (Mr  Cushing)  this  Day  received  a Letter  from  the 
House  of  Burgesses  of  Virginia,  signed  by  their  Speaker,  inclosing  a 
Number  of  Resolves,  (for  which  they  were  dissolved,)  which  have  been 
transmitted  to  all  the  other  Governments  on  the  Continent.  The  Let- 
ter contains  a request  to  join  in  similar  Resolves. 


114 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


“ There  is  a Report  that  our  Governour  is  ordered  Home,  the  authen- 
ticity of  which  I can’t  avouch.  But  this  I believe  that  whenever  that 
Event  shall  take  Place,  there  will  be  as  much,  or  more  Joy  spread 
through  the  Province  and  Continent,  than  when  that  Tyrant,  Andros, 
made  his  Exit. 

“"We  hear  that  Col?  Luttrell  was  admitted  to  a Seat  iu  Parliament 
for  Middlesex,  upon  having  200  Votes,  when  Mr.  Walker  had  1100  ; 
and  that  said  Luttrell  like  to  have  been  killed  in  coming  from  the 
House  of  Commons.  What  a Wound  to  the  Constitution  ! If  this  is 
to  be  the  Practice,  the  Freedom  of  Elections  is  at  an  End,  and  Liberty 
is  no  more.  But  I hope  there  will  be  some  noble  Exertions  in  that 
glorious  Cause. 

“Just  about  going  to  the  Gallery.  I must  sign  your  real  Friend, 
after  requesting  my  Regards  to  all  Friends, 

“ Incognito.” 

Other  communications  follow  in  rapid  succession,  noticing,  among  the 
occurrences  of  the  time,  the  compact  entered  into  by  merchants  and  many 
people  of  the  town  not  to  import  British  goods  ; the  solemn  “ League 
and  Covenant”  not  to  purchase  of  those  who  had  imported  such 
goods  ; others  were  descriptivfe  of  the  massacre  ; of  the  arrival  of  the 
East  India  Company’s  tea-ships,  and  the  important  meetings  that  fol- 
lowed ; the  destruction  of  the  tea,  and  the  relief  and  joy  that  followed. 
The  organization  of  a Committee  of  Communication  and  Correspon- 
dence is  promptly  reported  by  letter. 

In  one  of  January  24,  1770,  an  account  is  given  of  the  “Conduct  of 
the  Merchants  towards  those  few  who  have  infamously  violated  their 
non-importation  Agreement;”  the  reports  made  by  the  “Committee 
of  Inspection,”  through  their  Speaker,  William  Mollineux ; and  the 
“ Spirited  Resolves  ” adopted  by  the  merchants  at  their  repeated 
adjournments.  The  relation  of  these  various  meetings  is  long  and 
interesting,  and  closes  with  giving  “one  Vote  so  important  that  I can’t 
but  hope  it  will  be  thought  worthy  of  being  followed  by  all  the  other 
towns  in  the  Province  and  through  the  Continent — viz. — Voted, 
Sacredly  and  religiously,  That  each  One  of  us  (not  less  than  1,300  per- 
sons being  present)  will  not  drink  any  Tea,  and  not  suffer  it  to  be  used 
in  our  Families  upon  any  Pretence  whatever. 

“ Captain  Dashwood,  one  of  the  Committee  of  Inspection,  said  that  he 
had  done  no  other  business  but  this  respecting  the  non-importation 
Agreement  for  six  months  past ; that  he  had  been  threatened  again  and 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


115 


again  to  have  his  brains  beat  out ; that  he  did  not  value  spending  the 
last  Drop  of  his  Blood  for  his  Country,  and  should  esteem  it  glorious  to 
die  in  such  a Cause  ; and  as  he  drew  his  first  Breath  here  he  was  deter- 
mined to  draw  his  last  Breath  here,  in  the  Cause  of  Freedom.  John 
Hancock,  Esqr,  read  a Letter  he  had  just  received,  breathing  the  Spirit 
of  Liberty,  from  a Friend  in  Philadelphia.  He  was  desired  by  the 
Meetiug  to  publish  Parts  of  it,  as  he  thought  proper,  which  he  con- 
sented to  do,  as  he  said  he  was  always  desirous  of  gratifying  such  a 
respectable  Body. 

“ I can’t  avoid  saying  that  if  something  spirited  is  not  done  by  your 
Town,  respecting  Mr.  Ezekiel  Fosgate’s  Conduct,  it  will  be  a Pity.  I 
mention  it  out  of  regard  to  the  Town  of  Leicester,  which  is  spoken  of 
with  Respect,  as  well  as  to  the  common  Good  of  my  Country.  I 
should  think  Nothing  less  than  an  immediate  Conveyance  of  those 
Goods  to  Mr.  Nathaniel  Rogers,  would  by  any  means  be  satisfactory. 
I know  the  whole  Affair.  I heard  it  related  by  a Gentleman  who  had 
it  from  Mi  Fosgate’s  own  Mouth,  just  after  he  had  bought  the  Goods. 
But  as  a relation  would  not  be  of  any  Service,  I omit  it.  Sufficient  is 
it  to  say  that  he  has  now  by  him,  Goods  that  were  imported  contrary 
to  Agreement  of  the  Merchants  ; that  those  very  Goods  were  put  under 
the  Care  of  the  Committee  of  Inspection  ; that  the  Lock  was  broke,  the 
Goods  taken  out,  and  the  Whole,  or  a Part,  sold  to  Mr.  Fosgate. 

“ Only,  remember  that  Delays  are  dangerous.  Let  this  Conduct  of 
Mr.  Fosgate  serve  to  show  what  Vigilance  is  necessary  even  in  those 
Towns  that  do  not  live  altogether  hy  Trade.  Let  us  all  become  Watch- 
men for  our  Country.  This  is  the  trying  Time  ! If  the  Crisis  is  not 
yet  arrived,  surely  it  is  not  far  off.  My  Regards  to  all  Friends. 

“ Whatever  is  done,  or  may  be  done  by  your  Town  or  by  the  Towns 
near  you,  you  will  be  kind  enough  to  give  the  earliest  Information  of 
to  your  Friend,  and  a Friend  of  the  natural  and  constitutional  Rights 
and  Liberties  of  the  Americans,  Incognito.” 


“ Boston,  Aug.  31 : 1774. 


“ Corzx  William,  — The  spirited  and  prudent  Conduct  of  the  Peo- 
ple in  the  County  of  Worcester,  merits  the  Applause  of  every  Friend 
to  our  Charter  Rights  and  Privileges.  For  my  own  Part,  I am 


with  an  Account  of  it.* 


* Fosgate  succeeded  William  Henshaw.  as  a merchant,  in  1769.  He  removed 
from  Leicester  1770. 


116 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


“ I have  the  Pleasure  to  inform  you  that  every  Member  of  the  Grand 
and  Petit  Juries  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  yesterday  refused  to  take 
the  Oath,  and  gave  their  Reasons,  which  you  will  see  in  Print,  — 
and  they  were  dismissed.  The  Court,  I suppose,  will  adjourn.  We 
had  a Town  Meeting  Yesterday,  and  were  not  interrupted.  Mrs.  Ilen- 
shavv  joins  me  in  Regards  to  all  Friends. 

“Your  affectionate  Kinsman, 

“ Joshua  Henshaw,  Junr.” 

Soon  after  this  date,  he  removed  from  Boston,  and  with  his  wife 
spent  a year  in  Leicester,  visiting  his  sister  (Mrs.  Joseph  Henshaw), 
his  uncle  and  cousins,  removing  the  following  year  to  Dedham,  where 
he  remained  till  the  British  forces  left  Boston,  when  he  returned  to 
that  place,  occupying  his  own  house  on  the  north  corner  of  Orange 
and  Harvard  streets.  From  this  time  to  1786  he  was  register  of 
deeds  for  Suffolk  County.  He  removed  to  Shrewsbury  in  1789, 
where,  as  a magistrate  for  Worcester  County,  he  transacted  business, 
but  declined  any  elective  office.*  In  the  leisure  and  retirement  of  this 
situation  he  cultivated  his  literary  tastes,  contributing  to  journals  and 
periodicals  of  the  day,  Isaiah  Thomas’s  “ Massachusetts  Spy  ” being  of 
this  number.  Of  pleasing  manners,  generous  and  amiable  disposition, 
he  was  a favorite  with  acquaintance  and  friends,  whom  he  entertained 
with  interesting  reminiscences  of  former  years,  dwelling  with  particu- 
larity upon  the  projectors  and  the  exploits  of  the  “Tea  Party,”  — indi- 
viduals with  whom  he  was  familiarly  acquainted,  and  events  well 
understood  by  him. 

The  correspondence  of  these  friends,  begun  in  the  morning  of  their 
days,  was  continued  to  the  evening  of  life,  with  unfailing  enjoyment,  — 
a free  interchange  of  thought  and  ojnnion,  each  aiding  and  strengthen- 
ing the  other  in  the  hour  of  need  and  trial,  rejoicing  and  congratulating 
in  times  of  prosperity,!  sympathizing  and  sorrowing  in  seasons  of  grief 


* Alluding  to  proceedings  of  the  Convention  of  the  Committee  of  Correspond- 
ence for  Worcester  County,  held  at  Worcester,  Aug.  9,  1774,  and  continued,  by 
adjournments,  throughout  the  month.  William  Henshaw  was  a member,  and 
had  a record  of  its  doings. 

t A letter  at  the  time  of  Mr.  Henshaw’s  wife’s  death,  Jan.  1,  1769,  exhibits 
the  philosophical  and  Christian  spirit,  blended  with  the  affection  and  sympathy, 
of  the  young  writer  : — 

“Boston,  Jam  6:  1769. 

“ Cociz"  William,  — Trouble  has,  ever  since  the  Apostacy  of  Adam,  attended 
human  Nature,  and  ever  will  be  the  Consequence  of  Sin.  You  at  this  Time  are 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


117 


and  bereavement.  Joshua  Ilenshaw  was  the  survivor,  his  decease  oc- 
curring at  Shrewsbury,  June,  1823. 

afflicted  in  a greater  Degree  than  ever  before,  by  the  Loss  of  the  nearest  Rela- 
tion in  a most  sudden  Manner,  which  is  a melancholy  Circumstance.  I feel  for 
you,  and  for  all  concerned.  Don’t  indulge  excessive  Sorrow,  for  this  will  injure 
your  Health,  and  serve  no  good  Purpose.  Consider  who  He  is  that  gave,  and 
remember  that  He  has  an  undoubted  Right  to  take  away,  when,  and  in  the  Man- 
ner He  pleases,  and  conclude,  (as  we  are  in  Duty  bound,)  that  whatever  is,  is 
right.  Great  Good  is  often  the  Effect  of  great  Trouble.  Let  us  all  listen  to  the 
loud  Call,  ‘ Be  you  also  ready.’  May  we  be  excited  to  great  Diligence  in  Prep- 
aration for  our  own  Dissolution,  since  we  see  the  young  as  well  as  the  old,  the 
robust  as  well  as  the  invalid,  taking  Leave  of  this  World.  I feel  a certain  Joy 
amidst  Sorrow,  that  the  Revd  Mr  Conklin  is  with  you,  to  whom,  as  to  all  other 
Priends,  present  my  best  Regards. 

“ That  you  may  be  supported  under,  carried  well  through  this  Affliction,  and 
that  it  may  work  out  a far  more  exceeding  and  an  eternal  Weight  of  Glory,  is 
the  ardent  Wish  and  Prayer  of  your  very  sincere  and  aggrieved  Friend, 

“Joshua  Henshaw,  Junr. 

“ All  your  Friends  here,  join  in  Regards  to,  and  condole  with  you.” 

Another  very  briefly  expresses  pleasure  in  the  acquaintance  of  the  young 
lady  to  whom  Mr.  Hensliaw  was  betrothed  for  a second  wife.  The  letter  was 
written  at  the  time  when  he  was  finishing  his  new  house,  and  about  three 
months  before  the  anticipated  marriage. 

“ Boston,  June  5,  1771. 

“ Couz1'  William,  — I have  hut  just  Time  to  inform  you  that  I have  chose 
a Paper  for  j7ou,  and  hope  it  will  suit  you ; that  we  have  had  the  Pleasure  of 
Miss  Phebe’s  Company,  who,  I must  say,  I think  is  a very  agreeable  Lady  : — 
such  an  one  as  will  prove  a good  Wife  and  a kind  Mother  to  your  Children. 
And  consequently,  as  makes  me  approve  of  your  Choice.  Having  no  News  to 
write  and  expecting  Mr.  Richardson  here  every  Minute,  I must  sign  your  real 
Friend,  Joshua  Henshaw,  Junr. 

“ Miss  Phebe  desires  her,  with  my  best  Regards,  may  attend  you,  &c.” 

On  another  festive  occasion,  the  marriage  of  William  Henshaw’s  second 
daughter,  Elizabeth,  to  Dr.  Austin  Flint,  he  offers  his  congratulations  by  letter  : — 

“ Boston,  June  7 : 1785. 

“Dear  Sir,  — Your  very  kind  and  polite  Invitation  to  me  and  Mrs.  Henshaw 
to  your  Daughter’s  Wedding,  I acknowledge  : but  expecting  every  Minute,  Car- 
penters to  repair  my  House,  I must  be  satisfied  in  being  deprived  of  that  Pleas- 
ure. Be  pleased  to  inform  her  that  she  has  my  & M”.  Henshaw’s  best  wishes, 
for  her  Happiness,  and  that  the  Connection  to  be  formed  this  Day,  may  be  the 
Basis  thereof. 

“ Mrs.  Henshaw  desires  her  best  Regards  to  you,  your  Lady,  and  all  Friends, 
in  which  she  is  most  sincerely  joined  by 

“ Your  most  affectionate  Kinsman, 

“ Joshua  Henshaw. 

“ My  sister  desires  her  Love  to  all  her  Connections  in  Leicester;  is  very  sorry 
that  she  could  not  be  at  the  Wedding,  but  wishes  the  young  Couple  all  possible 
Happiness.” 


118 


REMINISCENCES  OP 


For  several  years,  beginning  at  1767,  Mr.  Ilensbaw  served  with  the 
selectmen  of  his  town,  and  for  three  of  those  years,  beginning  at  1770, 
the  service  of  town  clerk  devolved  upon  him.  It  may  readily  be  seen 
that  this  correspondence,  a portion  of  which  has  been  given,  had  at 
times  its  share  of  influence  in  the  formation  of  public  sentiment  on  the 
questions  presented  for  consideration  at  their  frequent  town-meetings. 
The  various  “ Acts  of  Trade,”  followed  by  other  oppressive  measures, 
did  not  dishearten  the  patriotic  town  merchants  nor  the  country  shop- 
keepers and  discerning  yeomanry,  all  being  willing  to  bear  this  strain 
upon  their  commercial  and  manufacturing  interests. 

Mr.  Ilenshaw  took  a leading  part  in  the  town  action  which  resulted 
in  a vote  of  thanks  to  those  Boston  merchants  who  had  refused  to  im- 
port, to  purchase,  or  to  sell  goods  from  Great  Britain,  and  who  were 
generously  sacrificing  their  own  interests  to  advance  the  highest  inter- 
est of  the  Colonies,  and  also  in  a vote  of  refusal  to  purchase  goods  of 
those  who  did  import. 

As  one  of  his  community,  aiding  and  strengthening  each  other,  sym- 
pathizing and  cooperating  with  all  classes  in  town  and  country,  he 
scrupulously  practised  in  domestic  life  what  these  and  subsequent  reso- 
lutions enjoined.  In  these  eventful  years,  so  full  of  noble  purpose  and 
attempt,  they  left  with  the  record  of  their  “ Resolves  ” the  record  also 
of  praiseworthy  acts , in  private  as  well  as  in  public  life;  and  the  edicts 
of  revengeful  tyranny  became  the  stimulus  to  increased  activity  and 
ingenuity  in  domestic  industries  and  manufactures.  What  a nobility 
did  their  liberty-loving  spirit  confer  upon  the  various  kinds  of  handicraft 
already  in  use,  and  irpon  the  further  productions  of  their  inventive 
genius!  What  a beauty  and  burnish  did  their  household  articles  ex- 
hibit, fashioned  after  the  pattern  of  those  brought  from  over  “ the  Sea,” 
and  equal  in  fitness,  if  not  in  finish.  How  fair  and  silvery  the  fabrics 
they  wove,  gleaming  with  a lustre  exceeding  that  of  those  bought  with 
shining  gold,  of  sovereigns  not  shining ! What  richness  and  delicacy 
of  design  in  the  laces  so  deftly  wrought  by  skilful  fingers ! Their 
“ homespun,”  and  domestic  dyes,  of  hues  more  becoming  than  Tyrian 
dye,  showed  a texture  soft  and  flexible,  in  proportion  to  the  harshness 
and  inflexibility  of  arbitrary  power,  and  was  more  expressive  of  honor- 
able position  and  purity  of  principle  than  the  ermined  robes  of  royal 
pride  and  favor. 

At  this  time,  1769  - 1770,  on  the  decline  of  trade,  Mr.  Ilenshaw  gave 
up  his  merchant’s  business,  and,  on  the  completion  of  his  house, 
removed  to  it.  In  May  of  this  year  a company  of  Leicester  men, 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


119 


numbering  forty-six,  formed  themselves  into  an  association  “ for  the 
perfecting  themselves  in  the  Manual  & Platoon  Exercise.”  They 
elected  William  Henshaw  captain,  who  drew  up  for  the  company  a 
set  of  regulations,  which  they  adopted  by  vote,  and  styled  themselves 
the  “ Independent  Company  of  Voluntiers.”  He  met  this  company 
regularly  and  promptly  at  their  training-ground  several  times  every 
week,  the  distauce  from  his  abode  requiring  much  time  for  this  pur- 
pose. Several  of  this  company  survived  their  captain,  and  lived  to  an 
advanced  age.  Seth  Washburn,  with  whom  he  was  afterward  asso- 
ciated in  public  life,  was  lieutenant,  and  his  brother-in-law,  Sam- 
uel Denny,  ensign,  both  his  seniors.  The  change  from  mercantile 
business,  and  the  time  to  be  given  to  other  employments,  lessened  the 
opportunities  for  visits  and  personal  observations  at  Boston.  But,  in 
various  ways,  a constant  acquaintance  of  leading  movements  was  main- 
tained. His  brother  Joseph,  as  has  been  stated,  was  an  active  liberty 
man,  and  could,  by  letters  and  visits,  keep  his  family  friends  advised  ; 
and,  in  1772,  foreseeing  the  necessity  of  a removal  from  his  native 
town,  erected  his  “ mansion-house  ” in  Leicester  (of  materials  transported 
from  Boston),  the  superintendence  of  which  was  in  charge  of  his 
brothers  William  and  David.  This  furnished  frequent  opportunity  for 
news.  The  following  year  Joseph  Idenshaw  became  an  inhabitant 
of  the  town,  and  thus  was  an  additional  source  of  information. 
Another  important  addition,  as  well  as  aid,  was  furnished  by  the  re- 
moval thither  of  Messrs.  Joseph  and  Samuel  Allen,  who  were  in  com- 
munication with  their  uncle,  Samuel  Adams.  An  acquaintance  and 
some  correspondence  had  previously  existed  between  Mr.  Joseph  Allen 
and  Mr.  Henshaw,  there  being  a business  connection  of  the  former 
with  a kinsman  of  the  latter,  Henry  Bass  (firm  of  Allen  & Bass),  one 
of  the  active  “ Sons  of  Liberty,”  and  on  terms  of  intimacy  with  Sam- 
uel Adams.  He  was  a well-known  opposer  of  the  Stamp  Act  and  par- 
ticipator in  other  popular  demonstrations.  As  one  of  the  “ Boston 
Tea  Party  ” he  rendered  efficient  service  on  that  occasion.  He,  as 
well  as  his  brother,  Gillam  Bass,  had  a narrow  escape  from  the  assaults 
of  the  soldiers  on  the  evening  preceding  the  massacre,  as  their  depo- 
sitions to  that  effect  testify.  Gillam  Bass  was  better  known  in  con- 
nection with  important  committees  and  as  one  of  the  Committee  of 
Correspondence  in  the  place  where  he  afterward,  for  several  years, 
resided.  While  Boston  was  besieged,  Leicester  was  one  of  his  favor- 
ite visiting  places. 

At  this  period  of  anxiety  and  peril,  Mr.  Henshaw  found  in  Mr. 

16 


120 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


Allen  a kindred  spirit ; and,  with  unity  of  opinion  and  purpose,  they 
labored  harmoniously  together,  each  relying  upon  the  other  for  coun- 
sel and  aid  in  the  trying  hour  of  need. 

This  association,  in  the  interests  of  a common  cause,  promoted  a 
more  intimate  personal  acquaintance  that  expanded  and  ripened  into 
the  choicest  and  most  enduring  friendship.  In  succeeding  years,  as 
they  mingled  in  social  intercourse,  or  in  the  discharge  of  trusts  com- 
mitted to  them,  mutual  enjoyment  was  heightened  by  the  recollection 
of  events  in  which  they  had  been  actors,  — of  the  fears  and  hopes, 
labors  and  successes,  they  had  alike  shared. 

Mr.  Henshaw  testified  his  esteem  for  this  friend  by  a legacy,  speci- 
fying in  what  form  it  should  be  appropriated.  Mr.  Allen  survived 
Mr.  Henshaw,  dying  Sept.  2,  1827,  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight.  This 
lifelong  friendship  was  pleasantly  remembered  and  perpetuated  by 
their  descendants.  Nearly  thirty  years  after  the  decease  of  Mr.  Ilen- 
shaw,  at  a public  celebration  on  the  anniversary  of  our  national  inde- 
pendence in  the  town  where,  for  a few  years,  Mr.  Allen  was  a 
resident,  their  personal  worth,  intimate  association,  and  public  ser- 
vices were  appropriately  and  happily  recognized  by  a son  of  each. 

Samuel  Allen,  Esq.,  offered  as  a sentiment  “ The  memory  of  the 
late  Col.  William  Henshaw,  — a man  without  fear  and  without  re- 
proach,” which  found  a ready  response  from  H.  G.  Henshaw,  Esq.  ; 
“ The  memory  of  the  late  Hon.  Joseph  Allen,  once  a prominent  and 
favorite  citizen  of  Leicester,  — his  memory  is  as  fragrant  as  the  dew.” 

Joshua  Henshaw,  the  uncle  mentioned  before,  when  compelled  to 
flee  from  his  home,  came  also  to  Leicester  to  reside  for  a while, 
boarding  in  the  family  of  Rev.  Benjamin  Conklin,*  a man  in  strong 
and  active  sympathy  with  the  objects  of  the  patriot  party,  “ a high 
Liberty  Man,”  or  as  an  inmate  of  his  son-in-law’s  family,  — Joseph  Hen- 
shaw. His  presence  was  a solace  to  his  friends  at  this  time  of  distrac- 


* Letter  from  Joseph  Henshaw  to  William  Henshaw. 


Brother  Billy, 


“Boston,  6th  Novl  1771.  , 


“ It  is  thought  here  that  none  of  our  Ministers  will  read  the  Governor’s  Procla- 
mation for  the  Thanksgiving.  As  Mr.  Conklin  is  a high  Liberty  Man,  ’t  is  prob- 
able the  Proclamation  may  share  the  same  fate  with  him. 

“ Have  not  to  add,  but  am 

“ Your  Lov”s  Brother, 

“Joseph  Henshaw.” 


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COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


121 


tion  and  perplexity,  — his  influence,  suggestions,  and  aid,  a pillar  of 
strength.  He  remained  at  this  place  till  1776,  when  he  removed  to 
Dedham,  where,  in  the  family  of  Hon.  Samuel  Dexter,  he  continued 
to  reside  with  declining  health  until  his  death,  Aug.  5,  1777.  He  en- 
joyed the  cheering  prospect  of  the  establishment  of  the  independence 
he  had  so  ardently  longed  for  and  promoted. 

On  the  enforcement  of  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  Joshua,  Jr.,  also  came 
to  Leicester  as  a place  of  safety,  and  to  recruit  his  wearied  powers.  He 
gave  his  time  and  abilities  to  the  public  good,  and  the  letters  he  and 
his  father  received  from  distinguished  patriots  in  different  provinces, 
among  them  Samuel  Adams,  Jedediah  Huntington,  a classmate,  and 
Joseph  Warren  (his  medical  adviser  also),  shed  light  and  comfort  in 
these  dark  and  trying  hours. 

Mr.  Henshaw,  as  town  clerk,  had  at  this  time  ample  employment 
for  his  pen,  besides  the  ordinary  business  to  be  transacted,  in  present- 
ing and  replying  to  frequent  communications,  circular-letters,  and 
pamphlets  from  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  through  their  town  clerk, 
William  Cooper.  Reference  has  been  made  to  the  part  he  had  in  the 
preparation  of  town  papers,  some  being  exclusively  his  own  (page  7 
of  the  Memoir).  Of  the  latter  were  a series  of  resolves,  with  instruc- 
tions to  be  communicated  to  their  representative  elect,  as  the  result  of 
a town-meeting  called  on  receiving  an  appeal  from  Boston  at  the  time 
of  their  memorable  town-meeting  of  November,  1772.  The  letter 
received,  and  accompanying  report,  stated  in  strong  and  effective  lan- 
guage the  rights  and  the  wrongs  of  the  province. 

It  was  Mr.  Henshaw’s  custom  to  frame  his  writing  at  his  own  house, 
and  taking  a copy,  offer  it  for  correction,  and  for  adoption  or  rejec- 
tion. Sometimes,  after  placing  it  on  town  record,  or  forwarding  it  offi- 
cially, he  retained  the  writing,  and  filed  it  with  other  similar  papers. 
By  this  means  various  original  papers  and  documents  were  kept  in 
preservation.  The  accompanying  illustration  is  the  closing  portion 
of  these  “ instructions  ” to  their  representative,  Thomas  Denny,  and 
many  serve  to  show  the  writer’s  views  and  abhorrence  of  the  system 
of  servitude  or  slavery,  and  his  desire  for  its  abolition.  It  was  dated 
May  19,  1773. 

As  one  of  the  Committee  of  Correspondence,  he  had  constant 
communication  with  the  committees  of  Worcester  and  of  Worcester 
County,  as  well  as  of  Boston,  for  the  years  1773,  1774.  Most  of  the 
Boston  committees’  letters  were  in  print,  many  being  signed  by  Wil- 
liam Cooper,  Clerk  of  Committee.  One,  a copy  of  the  original  letter , 


122 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


written  by  the  hand  of  William  Cooper,  is  here  given  as  explanatory 
of  the  reply,  a facsimile  of  which  is  given. 

“ Boston,  January  18th  1773. 

“Gentlemen, — We  have  received  by  favor  of  M*  Denny  the 
Proceedings  of  your  Town  and  the  Neighbouring  Districts,  and 
think  it  must  surprise  our  Oppressors  to  read  your  very  ingenious 
and  sensible  Resolves,  and  your  Instructions  to  your  worthy  Repre- 
sentative. 

“ The  safety  of  the  people  is  founded  in  the  knowledge  that  is  almost 
universally  diffused  throughout  the  Province,  of  our  Charter  Privi- 
leges, and  the  generous  and  heroic  Disposition  in  the  People  to 
defend  them.  We  cannot  but  be  very  sanguine  in  our  expectations 
of  redemption  from  Slavery,  since  we  see  such  a pious  dependence 
upon  Divine  protection  brought  in,  in  almost  all  the  Letters  we  have 
received. 

“ The  cause  is  good  ; we  do  not  aim  at  freedom  of  restraint  from  law, 
and  lawful  Authority,  but  from  the  tyrannical  Edicts  of  a British 
Parliament  and  Ministry.  To  attempt  to  free  ourselves  from  Bondage, 
is  laudable,  but  to  submit  to  it  is  unworthy  of  an  American. 

“We  are, 

“ Gentlemen, 

“ Your  most  Obedient  Humble  Servants  — 

“ Signed  by  direction  of  the  Committee  for  Correspondence  in  Boston, 

“William  Cooper,  Clerk.” 

addressed 

“ To  Mr.  William  Henshaw,  and  others, 

“ A Committee  of  Correspondence  for  the  Town  of  Leicester.” 

Towards  the  close  of  the  year,  Nov.  23,  1773,  a long  letter  upon 
the  tea  subject,  well  calculated  to  arouse  sympathy  and  action,  with 
a long  postscript,  terminated  with  these  words : “ In  this  extremity, 
we  earnestly  request  your  advice,  and  that  you  would  give  us  the  ear- 
liest intelligence  of  the  sense  your  several  towns  have,  of  the  present 
gloomy  situation  of  our  public  affairs.”  Directed,  “ For 

“ The  Gent"  Committee  of  Correspondence  in  the  Town  of 
“ Leicester  — 

“ the  first  District.” ' 

The  following  direct  and  laconic  reply  is  given  to  the  closing  request, 
as  found  by  the  marking  of  the  writer  upon  the  paper  filed  by  him : — 


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COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


123 


“ Copy  of  Letter  to  Committee  of  Correspondence,  at  Boston  — Dec. 

1773. 

“ Leicester  14th  Decr  1773. 

“ Gentlemen,  — We  have  received  your  letter  which  was  draughted 
in  presence  of  a collected  body  of  Committees,  as  well  as  others  of  an 
ante-date,  which  we  are  greatly  obliged  to  you  for,  and  also  to  the 
Town  which  you  have  the  honour  to  serve,  for  their  unremitted  care 
and  vigilance  in  watching  the  motions  of  the  enemies  to  our  Rights,  and 
exposing  their  wicked  schemes  — and  also  for  their  late  proceedings 
and  manly  resolutions  in  regard  to  the  detestable  Tea  sent  here  by  the 
East  India  Company.  And  as  you  have  requested  our  advice,  we 
shall,  as  a Committee,  freely  give  it ; and  that  is  to  go  on  as  you 
have  begun,  and  on  no  account  to  suffer  it  to  be  landed,  or  pay  one 
farthing  of  Duty.  You  may  depend  on  our  aid  and  assistance  when 
needed,  (if  notice  be  given,)  and  we  make  no  doubt  that  you  will  have 
that  of  our  Town  and  District  which  will  meet  in  a few  days,  when 
you  will  be  informed  of  their  proceedings. 

“We  are,  Gentlemen,  with  Respect, 

“ Your  most  Obliged  Humble  Servants, 

“ William  Henshaw,  pr.  Order.” 

This  letter  could  scarcely  have  been  received  at  the  time  of  the  final 
meeting,  and  the  final  action  on  the  tea  question ; and  great  must  have 
been  the  anxiety  of  the  committee,  who  therein  pledged  their  support, 
as  they  awaited  the  inevitable  crisis  so  near  at  hand.  In  a week  from 
its  date,  the  news  of  the  destruction  of  the  tea  was  received  with  great 
relief  and  rejoicing. 

Among  the  many  communications  of  an  official  character  received 
by  Mr.  Henshaw  at  this  time,  and  requiring  frequent  letters  from  him, 
were  those  written  by  Nathaniel  Noyes,  a watchful  sentinel  and  zealous 
worker  in  the  cause  of  liberty.  Several  of  his  fellow-citizens  were 
then  residing  in  Leicester,  to  be  interested  in  the  information  given 
through  his  letters,  among  them  a classmate  of  his  in  Boston  schools 
and  in  college,  Joshua  Henshaw,  Jr.  He  belonged,  apparently,  to  the 
Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  was  busily  employed  as  Clerk  of 
the  Committee  of  Inspection.  He  pronounced  the  resolves  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Leicester  noble,  and  their  spirit  and  cooperation  most 
encouraging  and  animating.  The  seizure  of  powder,  forwarding  of 
troops  to  Salem,  and  reports  of  regiments  being  ordered  to  Worcester, 
with  other  arbitrary  acts  of  Gen.  Gage ; the  threats  to  assassinate  Col. 
Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams,  “ to  commit  the  Com.  of  Correspondence 


124 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


to  Gaol,  if  they  will  not  give  Ronds  for  holding  a meeting  without  the 
Governodr’s  leave”;  and  the  report  of  his  “determination  to  protect 
the  Court  at  Worcester  at  the  risque  of  every  Man  in  the  Commons, ” 
with  other  portentous  indications,  were  promptly  given,  sometimes  on 
the  day  of  their  occurrence,  and  with  a vehemence  of  expression  well 
calculated  to  stimulate  to  increased  vigilance  and  activity.  These  acts 
were  to  be  made  known  to  the  committees  and  reliable  friends,  immedi- 
ately. Some  occurrences  were  to  be  circulated  by  public  advertise- 
ment, but  the  greater  part  in  person,  or  by  messengers,  to  all  the 
surrounding  region,  — a laborious  undertaking.  These  communications 
could  be  read  to  othei’s,  or  copied  for  distribution  in  neighboring 
districts,  the  name  of  the  informant  to  be  withheld.  They  continued 
till  within  a few  days  of  the  alarm. 

As  one  of  the  Worcester  County  Committee  of  Correspondence,  and 
as  the  clerk  of  its  first  convention,  and  as  chairman  of  the  Leicester 
Committee,  Mr.  Ileushaw  found  constant  emploj'ment  and  communica- 
tion, particularly  with  the  towns  of  Worcester  and  Petersham.  One 
of  the  subjects  of  first  importance  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  Con- 
vention of  Dec.  6,  1774,  was  the  establishment  of  a printing  press  and 
office  in  the  county. 

“ Voted , That  we  will  encourage  a printing  office  to  be  set  up  in  this 
County,  and  recommend  to  every  town  herein,  to  give  all  proper 
encouragement  to  such  undertaking.” 

“ Voted,  That  Capt.  Timothy  Bigelow,  Mr.  Joshua  Bigelow,  and 
William  Henshaw,  be  a committee  to  consult  with  Mr.  Isaiah  Thomas, 
and  endeavour  to  procure  a printing  press  to  be  set  up.”* 

Among  those  assembled  for  counsel  and  action  at  the  conventions 
held  at  Worcester  during  the  month  of  August,  1774,  he  met  and  asso- 
ciated with  one  he  held  in  great  regard,  his  captain  of  “ French  War” 
memory,  Jeduthan  Baldwin  of  Brookfield,  who  here,  as  well  as  at  the 
first  Provincial  Congress  of  the  following  October,  was  actively  en- 
gaged in  devising  means  for  the  preservation  of  their  rights;  while 
their  colonel,  Brigadier- General  Timothy  Ruggles,  sought  to  frus- 
trate the  devices  and  operations  of  this  and  other  similar  assemblies,  t 


* See  “Proceedings  of  the  Conventions  of  the  people  in  the  Counties  of 
Massachusetts.” 

t At  a Convention  of  Committees  held  at  Worcester,  Dec.  6, 1774.  “ Whereas 
we  are  informed  there  is  a covenant  circulating  through  this  Province,  wherein 
the  signers  have  combined  against  the  liberties  of  the  people,  therefore, 

“Voted,  That  William  Henshaw,  Capt.  Timothy  Bigelow,  and  Col.  Joseph 


/t,-fi7V.  *r>^ <&*>■'/£&  /4r  /zS /Zr-sArny  si  qpr*rs*£. 


7,sa«,/C'r  sZ"'?  '*  ^ 

.S/MrsA,,,  f£r  //'/tC  /// 


f,/v/>  *"* 

( «/t /l  /£  *'*''£  <Ss/ir  - /■fyrt/sr  Ay*?  syyt* 

//£*.$"•"*  a*  */*r*'"**^7  /<'/>*!'  *n  <r„r  y„ „/*,,)/!<■>/ 

*S0  7a  /Y^pj  /"/T/sr?  /7rrsi^s-^  ss-  //?/ 

/at  t/^ S'x/sr/s*/  sz*r  J'stfrrzsp,  ^x J /^s/sT* 

£j  ft,  a^rs**^  l IS/f/Zt-Ze+rt-'  ^/} 



f^^*4/eS  /*rA ' . z/C At/es 

£<r/ies  rrx^  ^/-  ATide* 

£ A 

$*  ^<o/t  (rr/tn  *f  /*  n.-7  « 

'*"%  *y  . y/^^yrrs/fr,  7s. 

/j/y<s  ty<*,*sr  'frrrr+rs 

i/^r-^/n^  <4/  ^/a/»/^i^r/^<'  sz^ 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


125 


The  next  year  found  Capt.  Baldwin  responding  to  his  country’s 
call,  as  he  entered  the  military  ranks  at  Cambridge,  and  later,  in 
1786-1787,  when  he  rendered  aid  in  suppressing  the  “ Shays  Insurrec- 
tion” by  commanding  a force  of  fifty  volunteers.  Col.  Baldwin  made 
himself  pleasantly  and  gratefully  remembered  by  Col.  Henshaw  and  his 
community  in  a generous  benefaction  of  £100  to  the  funds  of  Leicester 
Academy,  at  a time  of  great  embarrassment  and  need.  He  died 
June,  1788.  A notice  of  his  death  states  that  “he  was  not  only  a 
soldier  and  a patriot,  but  a Christian  — a pleasant  companion,  and  a 
faithful  friend.  The  virtues  of  humanity  were  his.”  Mention  has 
been  made  of  the  term  of  the  Superior  Court  held  at  Worcester,  April, 
1774,  and  of  the  protest  presented  to  the  court,  signed  by  fifteen 
grand  jurors,  giving  their  reasons  for  refusing  to  act  as  such,  the  protest 
being  drawn  by  William  Henshaw* *  As  usual,  he  took  a copy  of 
this  paper  prepared  by  him,  which,  with  slight  variation  in  arrange- 
ment, was  approved,  dated,  signed,  and  presented. 

The  original  draft,  a copy  of  which  is  given,  was  by  him  indorsed, 
“ Reasons  for  not  serving  as  Jurors,  if  Peter  Oliver,  Esqr  should  sit 
as  Chief  Justice.” 

At  a time  when  the  action  of  the  various  committees  was  watched 
and  reported  to  their  enemies,  by  those  unfriendly,  on  serving  as  a 
medium  of  information,  it  was  necessary  to  scrutinize  the  movements 
of  strangers  or  disaffected  persons,  and  suitably  deal  with  such.  An 
instance  of  this  kind  occurred  in  one  seeking  a sojourn  in  Leicester. 
Perhaps  he  expected  to  gain  important  information  from  the  patriotic 
citizens,  and  the  circle  of  Boston  friends  gathered  here,  who  knew  him 
and  his  doings.  His  case  was  considered,  and  left  to  Mr.  Henshaw 
for  disposal,  who  sent  him  a written  permission  to  depart,  as  follows  : — 

“ Leicester,  Sep*.  13th,  1774. 

“ Sir,  — As  we  hear  you  have  been  an  Addressor  to  the  late 
Govr  Hutchison  upon  his  departure  from  the  Province,  and  in  other 
respects  have  conducted  yourself  in  such  a manner  as  to  afford  much 
uneasiness  to  the  good  people  of  this  Town  and  County,  we  take  this 

Henshaw  be  a committee  humbly  to  request  the  advice  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, what  measures  this  County  shall  take  in  that  affair.”  This  relates  to  the 
form  of  an  Association  and  Covenant  consisting  of  a preamble  and  six  articles 
prepared  by  Gen.  Ruggles,  for  the  signature  of  Royalists.  Dec.  10,  1774,  the 
Congress  made  a report  relative  to  this  agreement  or  covenant,  which  was 
accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  public  papers. 

* See  Memoir,  p.  8. 


126 


REMINISCENCES  OE 


Opporty  to  inform  you  that  your  Residence  here  will  be  peculiarly  dis- 
gustful to  the  Inhabitants. 

“And  as  well  wishers  to  the  peace  and  order  of  the  Town,  we  think 
it  advisable  that  you  move  from  hence  as  soon  as  may  be ; as  the  Peo- 
ple, roused  with  the  Insults  they  have  already  sustained,  will,  in  all 
probability,  pay  you  a Visit  less  respectful  than  the  Intimation  you  now 
receive.  For  the  Selectmen  of  this  Town, 

“William  Henshaw. 

« Esq.*” 

Mr.  Ilenshaw’s  public  labors  in  town  and  county  throughout  these 
years  were  various  and  great.  It  is  not  easy  to  see  how,  with  no  postal 
arrangement  or  public  print  nearer  than  Boston,  witli  the  slow  modes 
of  travel,  and  living  at  a distance  from  the  centre  of  the  town,  so  much 
could  be  performed. 

But  he  comprehended  the  value  of  what  was  to  be  held  or  lost,  with 
the  difficulties  and  perils  involved  therein,  and  resolutely  met  the 
responsibilities  of  the  hour.  Happily  he  possessed  a vigorous  consti- 
tution, and  was  capable  of  much  physical  endurance,  which,  with  his 
habitual  method  and  dispatch,  by  diligent  application  and  systematic 
arrangements,  enabled  him  to  meet  these  pressing  claims.  But,  to  do 
this,  he  set  aside  personal  ease  and  considerations,  and  his  farming 
operations  were  made  of  minor  account.  Every  day  was  full  of  activ- 
ities and  instructions  that  often  took  him  to  other  towns,  while  com- 
mittee business  and  an  extensive  correspondence  very  often  employed 
his  pen  far  into  the  hours  of  night.  He  could  suffer  temporal  loss,  as  he 
expressed  it,  “ for  the  preservation  of  all  our  rights  and  privileges, 
which  we  hold  as  dear  as  our  lives,  and  that  our  liberties  may  be  estab- 
lished upon  a solid  foundation.”  His  worthy  companion  readily  bore  her 
burden  of  care,  and  relieved  his  anxieties  now,  and  when  absent  in  the 
army.  In  common  with  others  throughout  the  land,  these  parents 
could  cheerfully  dispense  with  enjoyments  and  comforts,  could  joyfully 
make  sacrifices,  that  the  inestimable  blessings  of  civil  and  religious  lib- 
erty might  be  secured  for  their  posterity  in  all  succeeding  generations. 

In  the  year  1774  Mr.  Idenshaw  was  called  to  part  with  his  beloved 
mother,  after  a short  sickness,  when  her  children  were  summoned  to 
receive  her  parting  blessing.  As  they  were  all  assembled  around  her, 
she  “ commended  them  and  their  posterity  to  the  God  of  Peace  and 


* In  1776  this  man  followed  the  British  army  to  New  York,  and,  stationing 
himself  on  Long  Island,  was  discovered  to  be  in  communication  with  the  enemy. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


127 


Love,  praying  He  would  be  with  them  forever  and  ever,”  and  with 
words  of  counsel  she  bade  them  an  affectionate  farewell.  Edes  & Gill’s 
“ Gazette  & Country  Journal,”  of  that  date,  thus  records  her  death 
— “Leicester,  Oct.  21,  1774.  Last  Monday  departed  this  Life,  Mrs 
Elizabeth  Henshaw,  the  pious  and  amiable  Consort  of  Daniel  Hen- 
shaw,  Esqf  — Who  lived  beloved  and  died  in  Peace.” 

A manuscript  copy,  by  her  husband,  of  the  sermon  preached  after 
her  decease  bears  this  writing  : — 

“ For 

William  Ilenshaw,  the  Gift  of  his  Father,  Daniel  Henshaw,  Esq! 

To  be  kept  and  read,  as  his  affairs  will  admit, 

“ In  Memory  of  his 
EXCELLENT  MOTHER. 

1774.” 

By  the  new  arrangement  for  the  military  force,  entered  upon  by 
recommendation  of  the  County  Convention  of  all  the  Committees  of 
Correspondence,  the  election  of  company  officers  of  the  newly  formed 
regiments  was  to  be  made  by  the  soldiers ; such  officers,  when  chosen, 
to  meet  and  designate  the  regimental  staff.  Seven  of  these  regiments 
of  “ minute  men”  were  formed  for  the  county,  the  first  composed  of 
men  from  the  towns  of  Worcester,  Leicester,  Holden,  Spencer,  Paxton, 
of  which  regiment  William  Henshaw  was  elected  colonel.  The  proper 
advancement  of  this  regiment,  by  meetings  and  drill,  by  communica- 
tions, “ returns,”  and  by  attending  to  “ supplies  ” or  equipments,  de- 
manded much  of  his  time  and  attention.  Being  disabled  at  the  time 
appointed  for  an  early  meeting  in  his  town,  and  unable  to  confer  with 
them  in  person,  he  addressed  them  by  letter,  giving  such  advice  as 
seemed  called  for,  and  expressing  the  prevailing  belief  that  their  public 
services  would  ere  long  be  called  into  requisition. 

“Leicester,  2a  Jany,  1775. 

“ Gent*,  — I think  myself  unhappy  in  being  so  lame  as  not  to  be  able 
to  wait  upon  you,  according  to  appointment. 

“As  I have  the  Honour  to  be  elected  by  you  an  Officer  of  this  Reg', 
I am  jiersuaded  that  your  candour  will  readily  excuse  me  for  giving 
my  advice  or  opinion  in  any  thing  which  I think  lias  a tendency  to 
promote  the  Honour  and  Interest  of  the  Reg1  to  which  I belong;  and 
therefore  give  it  as  my  opinion,  and  do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  every 
Commissioned  Officer,  to  endeavour  to  get  a thorough  Knowledge  in  the 
Art  military,  not  only  in  the  Manual  Exercise,  but  in  the  manner  of 

17 


128 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


Wheelings  and  Evolutions,  which  is  absolutely  necessary  in  order  to 
form  a Battalion  or  Regiment,  when  broke  to  pieces.  For  that  end, 
I would  advise  every  Officer  in  the  Reg1  to  furnish  himself  with  a Book 
that  has  the  Exercise  commanded  to  be  used  by  his  Majesty  in  the 
Year  1764,  and  which  has  been  recommended  by  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress. 

It  appears  to  me,  very  probable.  Gentlemen,  that  before  the  End  of 
this  Tear,  we  may  be  called  into  the  Field,  in  defense  of  our  Rights  and 
Privileges,  and  I heartily  wish  we  may  be  prepared  for  it.  Being 
forewarned,  let  us  be  forearmed.  The  Provincial  Congress  has  advised 
that  every  Man  be  provided  with  a Bayonet  fitted  for  his  Gun,  a 
Knapsack  & Pouch,  which  I hope,  Gentlemen,  you  will  recommend  to 
all  under  your  Command.  A Bayonet,  in  my  opinion,  is  a good 
Weapon,  to  act  offensively  or  defensively,  and  would  strike  a greater 
Terror  to  our  Enemies,  when  fixed  upon  our  Guns  and  marching 
towards  them  in  good  Order,  than  any  one  thing  that  I know  of.  After 
you  and  the  Non  Commissioned  Officers  have  become  tolerably  well 
acquainted  with  the  Exercise,  I would  advise  you  to  form  your  Com- 
panys  into  ten  or  twelve  Parts,  according  to  the  number  of  Commis- 
sioned & Non  Commissioned  Officers,  and  let  each  one  undertake  to 
instruct  his  number,  (which  perhaps  would  not  be  above  six  or  seven,) 
in  the  Exercise,  and  be  particularly  careful  about  Priming,  Loading, 
& Firing,  which  is  the  most  essential  part  of  the  Manual  Exercise. 
By  exercising  so  few,  you  may  see  and  correct  every  false  motion,  and 
by  calling  them  together  often,  as  they  will  live  near  you,  you  will 
soon  get  them  expert. 

“ I would  also  inform  you,  Gentlemen,  that  the  Men  Drafted  out  by 
the  Towns  in  this  County,  to  exercise  and  manage  the  Field  Pieces, 
are  to  meet  at  Worcester,  on  Tuesday  the  17th  Instant,  at  11  “’Clock 
A.  M.  — in  order  to  chuse  their  Officers,  which  you  will  please  to  in- 
form those  of,  whom  it  may  concern. 

“ I have  nothing  further  to  add,  Gentlemen,  but  that  I am, 

“ With  the  greatest  Regard, 

“ Your  Humble  Servant 

Addressed  “ WM  ILenshaw.” 

“ To 

The  Commiss4  Officers  of  1st  Regiment 
Convened  at  Mr.  Ward’s,  in 


Leicester/ 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


129 


At  this  time  he  was  promptly  advised  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  by  his  brother  Joseph,  a delegate  in  October,  1774, 
and  February,  1775,  and  through  him  was  early  made  acquainted  with 
the  movements  of  the  Committee  of  Safety.  He  received  instructions 
relative  to  military  matters,  and  means  of  public  defence,  that  enabled 
him  to  regulate  his  movements  in  a manner  the  best  adapted  to  present 
and  coming  exigencies. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  and  Supplies  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
in  February,  1775,  voted  that  the  powder  then  deposited  at  Concord 
should  be  removed  to  Leicester ; soon  after  it  was  directed  that  a 
portion  of  the  ammunition  and  tents  also  be  deposited  at  Leicester, 
with  Colonel  Joseph  IJenshaw ; who,  on  forwarding  the  powder,  with 
characteristic  caution,  gives  minute  directions  for  its  storage  and 
custody,  as  well  as  the  manner  and  route  of  transportation.  The  origi- 
nal letter  accompanying  the  powder  is  copied,  showing  the  care  and 
vigilance  to  be  exercised  in  its  removal  from  Concord,  and  dual  de- 
posit. 

“ Concord,  25“?  March,  1775. 

“ Brother  Billy,  — The  Bearer  hereof,  will  bring  6 or  7 hogs- 
heads, two  of  which  would  have  you  put  in  your  Barn,  in  some  Dry 
place,  where  no  wet  or  Damp  will  come  at  the  Same ; two  others, 
would  have  you  order  to  Major  Denny’s,  to  be  deposited  with  the  same 
Care,  in  his  Custody ; two  others,  would  have  you  order  to  Capt?  Sam- 
uel Green  to  be  with  him  stored  with  the  same  Care ; and  the  remain- 
ing one  be  sent  to  Thom!  Newhall’s,  to  be  by  him  taken  the  same  care 
of.  You  will  conduct  this  matter  with  the  greatest  Secrecy,  and  in  a 
way  the  least  liable  to  Suspicion.  You  will  take  care  that  no  Candle 
goes  near  the  Cask,  and  enjoin  the  same  on  those  to  whom  the  others 
are  sent : be  careful  also,  to  enjoin  the  strictest  Secrecy  on  them  re- 
spectively. 

“ When  I return  home,  shall  take  further  Order  concerning  the 
same  : and  am  jr.  Affect!  Bror.,  Jos  : Henshaw. 

“ Would  have  you,  after  you  have  lodg’d  your  two  hogsheads,  pro- 
ceed with  the  other  Team  to  the  westward,  and  when  you  get  to  Ml 
Allen’s  Shop,*  press  him  to  proceed  with  one  Team  down  the  South 
Road  to  Captl  Green’s.  After  giving  Mr  Allen  the  necessary  direc- 
tions, then  proceed  to  Major  Denny’s  by  the  way  of  Thomas  Newhall’s, 
if  that  Road  will  do  to  go  with  the  Teams.  As  soon  as  the  Team  des- 


* Joseph  Allen,  then  a merchant  of  the  place. 


130 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


tined  to  Newhall’s  is  discharged  of  the  one  hogshead,  proceed  to  Denny’s 
and  unload  the  last  Team.  The  Teamsters  had  better  agree  to  meet 
together  at  Noah  Jones’s,  after  discharging  their  Contents,  in  order  to 
return  together.” 

The  patriot  citizens  of  a place  selected  for  one  of  the  public  reposi- 
tories continued  steadfast  in  their  course.  They  carefully  guarded  the 
powder,  and  perfected  themselves  in  its  use.  They  were  not  over- 
awed by  the  menaces  of  a revengeful  ministry,  and  the  many  oppressive 
acts  forced  upon  them,  nor  intimidated  by  the  augmenting  military  and 
naval  forces  concentrated  in  and  around  their  metropolis  to  compel 
submission.  While  in  no  servile  spirit  they  acknowledged  allegiance 
to  their  rightful  sovereign,  in  no  boastful  spirit  they  asserted  their 
right  to  self-government  and  to  the  privileges  of  their  charter,  sup- 
porting such  assertion  by  a resolute  resistance  to  the  Regulating  Act, 
and  the  Act  for  the  new  administration  of  justice.  They  pitied  and 
relieved  the  oppressed  and  suffering  poor  of  Boston.  They  regarded, 
and  governed  themselves  by,  the  policy  marked  out  at  the  Green 
Dragon  Tavern,  and  other  resorts  of  the  guardians  of  public  interests. 
They  heeded  the  injunctions  of  their  faithful  pastor,  whose  “ earnest 
and  fervent  prayer”  always  ascended  for  them,  and  whose  constant 
example  accorded  with  his  teachings.  They  listened  to,  and  obeyed, 
the  calm  and  persuasive  voice  of  wisdom,  sounding  through  chosen  and 
trusted  guides,  assembled  in  Provincial  and  General  Congress ; and 
courageous,  prudent,  alert,  as  “minute  men”  prejmred  for  call,  calmly 
awaited  the  trial  hour. 

In  March  the  rumor  of  the  advance  of  the  British  troops,  as  if  borne 
on  the  wintry  winds,  reached  the  vigilant  towns  of  the  interior  ; and, 
wishing  to  learn  the  correctness  of  this  report,  Mr.  Henshaw  with  his 
chosen  friend,  Mr.  Allen,  immediately  repaired  to  Worcester.  The 
great  depth  of  snow  not  allowing  a conveyance  over  the  drifted  roads, 
they  performed  the  journey  on  rackets,  and  learned  there  was  no  occa- 
sion for  the  service  of  the  militia. 

When  these  snows  and  blasts  had  yielded  to  vernal  influences,  call- 
ing the  faithful  band  to  their  labors,  chiefly  of  husbandry,  the  dreaded 
alarm  summoned  them  to  conflict,  and  found  them  prepared  by  regu- 
lar drill  to  enter  upon  it.  Of  the  many  furnished  by  the  town  for 
aid  were  the  brothers  Joseph,  William,  and  David  Henshaw  ; the 
latter  possessed  the  same  invincible  love  of  freedom  that  nerved  the 
hearts  of  his  townsmen,  and  he  cheerfully  left  his  young  family  and  the 
joys  of  home  in  response  to  this  call.  The  next  year  he  was  appointed 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


131 


captain  of  an  artillery  company,  resigning  in  1779.  He  was  not  only 
the  military  leader,  but  commanded  also  the  personal  respect  of  officers 
and  men  thus  associated  with  him.  He  rendered  timely  and  very 
efficient  aid  to  the  government  in  suppressing  the  Shays  Rebellion. 
As  a magistrate  of  "Worcester  County,  and  as  one  chosen  to  public 
trusts,  he  transacted  much  official  business  in  town  and  county. 
Several  years  before  his  decease,  during  a sickness  from  which  he  did 
not  expect  to  recover,  he  penned  a code  of  instructions  for  the  practical 
use  of  his  children,  exhibiting  equally  the  affectionate  interest  of  his 
nature  and  the  ripe  wisdom  of  his  counsel.  His  decease  occurred  on 
the  22d  May,  1808,  in  the  sixty-fourth  year  of  his  age. 

Not  being  then  connected  with  the  town  companies,  Mr.  Henshaw 
did  not  form  one  of  the  number  who  collected  and  inarched  “ an  hour 
and  a half  before  sundown,”  on  the  19th  April,  as  stated  in  an 
interesting  account  by  the  historian  of  Leicester,  by  whom,  also,  the 
solemnities  and  the  scene  of  their  departure  are  affectingly  depicted. 
He  must  have  been  away  from  his  home  when  the  alarm  was  brought, 
his  house  being  a mile  from  the  nearest  point  on  the  route  of  the 
courier  through  town,  and  three  miles  from  the  village.  He  gives  a 
very  brief  relation  of  the  event:  “On  the  19*  April,  I saw  the  Ex- 
press that  came  from  the  Town  of  Lexington,  informing  that  the 
Enemy  had  Killed  several  men  in  that  Town.  I immediately  sent 
Messengers  to  the  Field  Officers  and  Captains  of  my  Reg!  to  meet  me 
at  Worcester  that  night  by  10  o’Clock,  with  their  Arms,  Ammunition, 
and  one  week’s  provision  for  each  ; they  met  me  at  the  time  appointed, 
and  alter  supplying  a number  who  were  deficient  in  cartridges,  we 
marched  about  midnight,  and  arrived  at  Cambridge  the  next  day  in 
the  forenoon,  where  I continued  about  a Month,  doing  Duty.”  Among 
the  employments  of  this  ‘‘Duty”  was  that  of  being  stationed  for 
awhile  at  Charlestown  to  deliver  permits  to  such  as  wished  to  enter 
Boston.  He  was  “appointed  to  the  office  of  granting  permits,  at 
the  sign  of  the  Sun,  in  Charlestown,”  April  30,  by  the  Committee 
of  Safety. 

Many  of  his  regiment  having  no  service  to  perform,  and  wishing  to 
return  home,  were  discharged.  He  applied  to  Gen.  Ward  for  a dis- 
charge, but  was  requested  to  withdraw  his  application,  and  share  with 
others  the  task  and  responsibility  of  organizing  the  provincial  army. 
He  therefore  remained  at  headquarters,  earnestly  and  anxiously  con- 
ferring with  Gen.  Ward,  Colonels  Heath,  Prescott,  Danielson,  and 
others ; and  Majors  Timothy  Bigelow,  and  John  Brooks  and  others, 


132 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


in  arranging  details  of  service,  devising  ways  and  means  of  defence 
against  incursions  of  the  enemy,  and  providing  sustenance  for  the 
troops.  He  accompanied  reconnoitring  parties,  and,  with  other  offi- 
cers, had  the  charge  of  bodies  to  meet  an  expected  attack.  For  a time, 
he  was  placed  on  the  Council  of  War. 

An  event  of  the  greatest  importance  occurred  at  this  time,  — the 
discovery  of  the  letter-book  and  many  papers  of  Gov.  Hutchinson, 
giving  his  correspondence  with  the  ministry  and  with  individuals, 
thus  furnishing  abundant  proof  of  his  perfidious  course.  This  discov- 
ery had  an  especial  interest  for  Col.  Henshaw,  it  being  due  to  the  vigi- 
lant patriotism  and  prompt  action  of  a relative,  Samuel  Henshaw  of 
Milton,  who,  on  gaining  possession  of  the  letter-book,  immediately 
took  it  to  Joseph  Warren,  then  president  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
at  Watertown,  and  placed  it  at  his  disposal.  He  also  informed  him 
where  other  important  papers  were  to  be  found. 

The  letters  to  his  family,  though  frequent,  were  usually  brief  and 
hurried,  sometimes  directions  for  the  continuation  of  the  spring  opera- 
tions so  suddenly  interrupted. 

“Cambridge,  April  28,  1775. 

“Mr  Dear,  — I am  sorry  that  you  are  distressed  for  me,  seeing  I 
am  engaged  in  a good  Cause.  That  Being  who  has  preserved  us  to 
this  Day  is  still  able  — and  we  ought  to  acquiesce  in  his  Will  and 
determinations  in  all  things.  I am  glad  you  sent  me  some  linen.  If 
you  have  an  opportunity  to  send  me  my  Sword,  Belt  & Gloves,  you 
will  embrace  it.  I am  very  well  & hearty,  and  live  as  well  as  I could 
wish.  I should  be  glad  to  see  my  little  Family,  but  can’t  say  with 
certainty  when  that  will  be,  but  hope  it  wont  be  a great  while  first.  — 
I need  not  caution  you  to  take  care  of  the  Fires.  Your  brother  Reu- 
ben,* I believe,  will  look  a little  to  my  affairs.  Should  be  glad  to  have 
that  Ground  behind  the  barn,  sown,  when  it  is  prepared,  with  Flax. 
Your  brother  Reuben  owes  me  half  a Bushel  of  flax  seed.  I owe  Mr. 
John  Mowers  for  one  Bushel  and  a half,  of  Rye,  for  which  I promised 
to  send  him  Rye  meal,  and  had  it  ground  before  I came  away  — which 
I would  have  sent  to  him  if  it  is  not  already  done.  I wrote  for  my 
Pouch  or  Cartouch  Box  to  be  sent  me ; but  I am  provided  with  one 
here.  Have  not  time  to  add  further,  but  only  to  say, 

“I  am  your  affectionate  Friend  & Husband 

“WM  Henshaw.” 

* Reuben  Swan,  one  of  the  Leicester  company  of  minute-men,  who  marched 
to  Cambridge,  April  19,  and  had  with  others  returned. 


COPY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL  COMMISSION  GIVEN  TO  COL.  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 
IN  POSSESSION  OF  MISS  H.  E.  HENSHAW. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


133 


In  June,  by  his  statement,  he  returned  home,  where,  however, 
he  did  not  long  remain.  “ I applied  to  Gen!  Ward  for  a discharge 
and  obtained  it.  — After  the  battle  on  Bunker’s  Hill,  Gen!  Ward 
wrote  me  that  the  Provincial  Congress  had  desired  him  to  nominate 
a person  to  be  Adj*.  General,  and  they  would  commission  him ; that 
he  had  mentioned  my  name,  and  wished  me  to  come  and  take  it.  I 
went,  and  received  the  commission  the  next  day.”  * 

During  the  summer  and  autumn  he  had  opportunities  for  seeing 
relatives,  and  learning  the  place  and  condition  of  other  kindred, 
deprived  of  intercourse  with  friends,  or  fled  to  some  neighboring  spot 
for  refuge,  which  enabled  him  to  answer  inquiries  for,  and  give  tidings 
of,  these  scattered  ones.  He  had  more  opportunities  for  sending 
letters  to  his  family  than  for  receiving  them,  and  improved  them 
whenever  his  “ Duty”  would  allow. 

“ Cambridge  July  14!h  1775. 

“Dear  Phebe,  — I wrote  you  yesterday  by  Couzn  Andrew,  and 
though  so  late,  I improve  every  Opportunity  with  real  pleasure.  I 
hope  this  will  find  you  and  our  Children  in  good  health,  which  to  be 
ascertained  of,  affords  me  the  greatest  satisfaction.  You  will  en- 
deavour to  remember  to  send  my  boots  and  what  else  I wrote  to  you 
for,  last ; also  two  towels  and  a pair  of  thread  stockings  if  I have  any 
at  home.  You  won’t  forget  to  write  me  as  often  as  you  can,  as  you 
may  well  think  it  will  conduce  much  to  my  happiness  to  hear  of  your 
Welfare.  My  Office  here,  keeps  me  in  constant  employ,  and  won’t 
admit  of  writing  so  fully  as  I should  be  glad  to  do.  I commit  you  and 
ours,  to  that  Being  who  has  hitherto  preserved  us  when  present 
together,  and  can  do  it  when  separated  from  each  other.  My  Duty  to 
Father,  and  love  to  Bro?  & Sisters. 

“ I am,  my  Dear,  your  affectionate  Husband, 

“ War.  Henshaw.” 


* “Fridat,  June  23d.,  1775. 

“ Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  be  appointed  to  wait  on  General  Ward  to  request 
him  to  nominate  an  Adj.  General. 

“ June  27th,  a.m.  A letter  from  Gen!  Ward  was  read,  nominating  Col.  Wil- 
liam Henshaw  to  be  an  Adj.  Gen!  in  the  Massachusetts  army  — whereupon 

“ Ordered,  That  a Commission  be  made  out  for  him,  accordingly. 

Afternoon. 

“ Ordered,  That  Col.  William  Henshaw,  an  Adj.  Gen!  take  the  oath  ap- 
pointed to  be  taken  by  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Massachusetts  army,  and 
that  a Commission  as  Adj.  Gen!  be  delivered  to  him.” — Journal  of  Provincial 
Congress  convened  at  Watertown. 


134 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


Letter  from  Mrs.  William  Henshaw  to  her  husband,  dated 

“ Leicester  July  16'.h  1775. 

“My  Dear,  — I have  received  one  Letter  from  you  dated  the  7“! 
inst.,  and  since  that,  have  heard  from  you  by  Mr.  Livermore  who  said 
he  was  to  have  brought  a letter  from  you,  but  came  by,  and  wholly 
forgot  it.  This  is  the  third  I have  wrote  and  have  not  sent.  We  have 
been  very  busy  in  getting  Hay  but  that  being  chiefly  done,  I shall 
attend  to  tilings  you  wrote  for,  soon.  You  may  be  sure  I am  not  un- 
mindful of  your  necessities,  but  shall  send  all  as  fast  as  I can  get 
them  made.  ....  Write  me  as  often  as  you  can, 
and  tell  me  if  you  have  any  good  News  that  you  have  reason  to 
believe.  I hear  of  none.  Sabbath  morning,  just  as  I was  writing  who 
should  come  in  but  Daniel  Denny  [a  young  nephew  of  William  Hen- 
shaw, in  his  employ  at  Cambridge,]  and  brings  in  a letter  for  me. 
The  letter  you  wrote  by  cousin  Andrew,  I have  not  yet  received. 
The  Pleasure  you  express,  in  writing  to  me,  I have  no  doubt  of,  and 
you  may  depend  upon  it,  that  to  hear  you  are  well,  gives  me  as  much 
pleasure  as  you  can  imagine.  I have  great  Cause  to  be  thankful  for 
all  the  many  Mercies  which  God  is  bestowing  upon  me.  He  has 
wrought  out  many  Wonders  for  us,  and  has  caused  us  to  sing  of  Mercy 
as  well  as  Judgement I hope  you  may  re- 

ceive this  soon,  that  you  may  know  we  are  all  well.  I shall  write 
you  by  Daniel  Denny  when  he  returns.  Have  nothing  more  to 
write  at  present,  but  to  leave  you  with  your  God  and  mine.  I am, 
my  Dear, 

“Your  very  affectionate  Wife 

“Phebe  Henshaw.” 

“Head  Quarters,  Cambridge  July  28*.h  1775.  I 
11  o’Clock  at  night.  j 

“My  Dear, — While  I am  writing  this,  I hope  you  are  enjoying 
sweet  repose  in  Sleep,  Health,  &c.  I am  very  well  at  present,  and 
wish  I was  more  thankful  for  it.  General  Ward  with  his  Regiment  is 
gone  to  Roxbury.  Our  People  are  sickly,  but  I hope  they  will  grow 
better.  I have  a very  genteel  lower  Room  and  a Chamber,  in  a House, 
with  as  fine  a Garden  as  you  ever  saw ; and  should  be  very  Glad  to 
see  you  here.  If  brother  Joseph  should  come  down  in  his  Chair,  I 
don’t  see  why  you  can’t  come  with  him  & go  to  Dedham  and  see 
Couzen  Joshua’s  Wife.  I have  two  Beds  here,  and  don’t  want  you  to 
send  any  Bedding  except  a pair  of  Sheets.  I see  Mi  Robins,  the 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


135 


minister  of  Milton  * who  dined  with  me  here,  this  Week.  As  to  News, 
I must  refer  you  to  others  who  have  more  leisure  to  tell  it,  than  I have 
to  write  it.  My  Boots  I should  be  very  glad  of,  as  I ride  a good  deal. 
Give  my  Love  to  my  daughters,  & kiss  my  Son  f for  me.  A mos, 
when  he  has  nothing  of  more  consequence  to  do  than  cutting  & carting 
of  Wood  home,  may  do  that.  You  will  give  my  Love  to  Brother 
Denny  and  his  Wife,  Brother  Wheeler  & his  Wife,  BroT  David  & his 
Wife,  your  Brothers  & Sisters,  Parents,  & all  Friends.  ’T  is  time  of 
night  to  conclude  this.  That  you  may  enjoy  Health  & Happiness  here, 
& the  greatest  Felicity  hereafter,  is  the  real  and  ardent  Wish  of 
“Your  Lov?  & Affecte  Friend  & Husband 

“Wm.  Heistshaw. 


“Mrs.  Phebe  Henshaw.” 


“Leicester  Aug.  3.  1775. 

“My  Dear,  — This  I hope  to  send  by  Mr.  Allen,  which  is  the  first 
Opportunity  since  Daniel  Denny.  I have  sent  your  Boots  and  shall 
send  several  other  articles  by  Mr.  Richardson,  or  Mr.  Denny,  as  they 
will  soon  be  going  dowD. 

“ I received  your  kind  letter  by  broi  Daniel,  and  am  very  glad  to 
hear  that  you  enjoy  so  good  Health.  Should  be  very  glad  to  accept 
your  Invitation,  but  cannot  give  you  much  encouragement  at  present. 
I have  heard  to-day  that  we  have  taken  about  60  Prisoners,  and  killed 
about  15  of  the  Enemy  : how  true  I know  not.  But  I hope  that  every 
one  will  take  a very  thankful  Notice  of  what  God  is  doing  in  his 
Providence  for  us.  Surely,  he  has  appeared  on  our  side  hitherto,  and 
‘ if  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ? ’ I hope  you  will  write 
soon,  as  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  hear  of  your  Welfare;  you  have  not  so 
much  Reason  to  be  immediately  concerned  for  us,  as  we  have  for  you, 
being  more  exposed  to  sickness  & Danger.  That  we  may  be  prepared 
for  whatever  is  before  us,  is  the  earnest  Prayer  & sincere  Desire  of 
“ Your  very  affectionate  Wife 

“ Phebe  Henshatv.” 


“Leicester  Aug.  9.  1775. 

“My  Dear,  — After  having  spent  a very  pleasant  afternoon  with 
Cozen  Gillam  Bass  and  his  wife,  and  several  other  Friends,  viz. 


* The  parents  of  Mrs.  Hensliaw  were  natives  of  Milton,  and  had  many 
connections  living  there. 

f The  oldest  son  of  this  wife,  Joseph,  an  infant. 


18 


136 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


Hon1!  Father,  Brother  Wheeler  & wife,  Brother  David  & wife,  Sister 
Henshaw  (Mrs.  Col.  Joseph  Henshaw,)  and  Brother  Daniel,  I write 
this  to  you.  Our  Friends  are  all  very  pleasant  and  kind,  and  I hope 
that  you  are  not  destitute  of  a Friend,  if  at  any  time  in  need.  Brother 
Richardson  * was  here  this  evening,  who  told  me  he  was  going  down 
tomorrow  morning.  I could  not  write  by  him : it’s  likely  you  will  see 
him  before  you  do  this.  We  hear  that  ye  Regulars  are  moving  from 
the  Castle,  plundering  the  Town,  and  many  other  things  which  looks 
as  if  they  intended  Something  before  long.  I fear  every  Day  to  hear 
the  News,  but  perhaps  it  may  be  better  than  my  Fears.  I hope  to 
receive  a line  from  you  very  soon ; have  heard  nothing  since  Daniel’s 
return.  I hope  you  are  very  well,  as  I am  and  the  rest  of  the  family. 
God’s  Mercies  to  us  are  very  great,  and  in  many  Instances  have  been 
far  better  than  we  feared.  No  more,  my  Dear,  but  wishing  you  corn- 
pleat  victory  over  enemies,  may  you  live  to  see  the  Time  when  we  may 
rejoyce  ounder  our  own  vines  and  fig  trees,  and  there  be  none  to 
molest  us. 

“ I am  your  affectionate  Wife, 

“ Phebe  Henshaw.” 

“ Leicester  Sept.  ye  2?  1775.  Saturday  Evening. 

“ My  Dear,  — This  day  has  the  noise  of  the  Canon  been  sounding 
in  our  ears.  I wish  I may  hear  of  nothing  more  shocking,  though  one 
would  think  that  were  shocking  enough  for  those  who  have  their  near- 
est Friends  exposed  (how  much  I know  not,)  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Canon.  But  all  we  can  do  in  such  distrest  times  as  these,  is  to  put 
ourselves  under  the  care  of  our  great  Creator,  who  is  able  to  preserve 
the  lives  of  our  Friends,  and  to  support  us  under  the  heaviest  Trials. 
I had  some  hopes  of  seeing  you  at  home  this  week ; but  I have  no 
such  pleasing  sight.  However,  I will  be  content  if  I know  you  are 
well,  supposing  you  are  of  more  real  Service  there  than  you  could 
be  here.  I wrote  you  this  day  week,  and  left  the  letter  with  those 
who  lost  it.  In  it,  I made  an  Apology  or  Excuse  for  my  not  mention- 
ing anything  respecting  my  going  down,  in  my  former  letter.  Do  not 
think,  my  Dear,  that  I slighted  your  invitation,  but  remember  that  I 
intend  as  much  to  do  so  as  those  who  have  been  to  see  you.  I cannot 
fix  upon  any  time,  but  perhaps  when  Brother  Denny  may  go  down. 


* Benjamin  Richardson,  who  married  her  sister  Eunice,  and  was  one  of  the 
Leicester  soldiers. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


137 


It  is  somewhat  sickly  here  now,  but  none  of  our  Friends  are  sick,  ex- 
cept brother  Seth’s  youngest  children.  Sally  & Betsy  send  their 
Duty,  and  thank  you  for  the  Verses  you  sent  them.  I thank  you 
for  your  present  to  me.  No  more,  but  praying  your  Life  and  Health 
may  be  preserved  and  that  we  all  may  be  prepared  for  any  event,  I 
sign  myself 

“ Your  constant  Friend  Sc  affectionate  Wife, 

“ Phebe  Henshaw.” 

“ Cambridge  19*  Sept.  1775. 

“ Mr  Dear,  — Expecting  to  see  you  here  shortly  with  Brother  Josey, 
shall  only  just  inform  you  I am  well,  as  I hope  these  will  find  you  all 
in  Health.  I have  been  much  concern’d  for  you  since  I have  heard  it 
has  been  so  sickly  in  the  Country.  I am  thankful  that  a kind  Provi- 
dence has  continued  Health  in  your  Habitation  — hope  you  will  im- 
prove these  Mercies  aright.  For  News,  I will  refer  you  to  Brother 
David  who  I suppose,  will  be  the  Bearer  of  this.  Give  my  love  to 
our  Children,  whom  I want  to  see.  I hope  they  are  careful  to  read 
their  Books.  I make  no  doubt  you  instruct  and  admonish  them  as 
often  as  time  and  Circumstances  will  admit.  When  you  come  down, 
bring  a pair  of  Sheets  with  you,  and  my  Shoe  Buckles. 

“Your  affectionate  Friend  and  Husband, 

“William  Henshaw.” 

The  anticipated  visit  was  made,  much  to  the  gratification  of  all 
friends  in  Cambridge,  Dedham,  and  other  spots  in  the  vicinity,  as  ap- 
pears by  subsequent  letters.  The  house  described  as  having  “ a large 
and  fine  garden  ” was  the  residence  of  Jonathan  Hastings,  famous  as 
the  place  where  so  many  revolutionary  officers  and  soldiers  were  sta- 
tioned, and  now  known  as  the  “ Holmes  House.” 

In  a letter  of  the  following  season,  he  informs  his  family  and  friends 
of  the  defection  of  Dr.  Church,  a startling  announcement  to  unsuspi- 
cious minds  everywhere,  and  the  more  so  to  friends  in  Leicester,  whom 
he  had  recently  visited  as  a friend,  and  also  for  professedly  patriotic 
purposes,  as  by  a brief  letter  from  the  father  of  Mr.  Henshaw. 

“ Leicester,  July  3,  1775. 

“ Son  William,  — You  may  remember  that  when  I parted  with  you 
here  from  my  house,  when  you  was  on  horseback,  going  to  ye  Army, 
I gave  you  a Letter  to  be  left  at  Ml  Smith’s,  Innholder  at  Weston,  &c. 


138 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


. . . Let  me  know  whether  you  left  the  sd  Letter  at  sa  place.  ...  I 
would  also  have  you  write  me  what  is  ye  reason  of  Daniel’s  coming 
home.  It  was  very  surprising  to  me.  Dr.  Church  and  Mr  Gill* 
were  here  3 Days  ago,  and  ye  Doctor  told  me  that  he  had  got  the  place 
for  liim.f  When  I told  ye  Dr.  that  Daniel  was  at  Mr.  Wheeler’s,  he 
was  amazed.  . . . Your  family  and  we  are  all  well.  I hope  these 
lines  will  meet  you  so. 

“Your  Affection'6  Father, 

“ Daniel  Henshaw.” 

“ Leicester  Oct.  11.  1775. 

“ Mt  Dear,  — It  is  a long  time  since  I heard  from  you.  I hope  you 
are  well,  as  we  all  are  at  present.  God  is  pleased  to  grant  us  tem- 
poral Blessings,  in  a healthful  Family,  which  I cannot  be  thankful 
enough  for.  Since  I parted  with  you,  I have  been  call’d  to  Mourning 
for  my  poor  brother  t whom  I had  no  thought  of  parting  with  so  soon 
when  I left  him.  But,  my  Dear,  we  know  not  our  appointed  time. 
May  we  be  ever  on  our  Watch  and  Guard  that  when  our  Time  or  turn 
comes,  we  may  he  also  ready.  Last  week  I visited  his  bereaved 
family.  Last  Thursday,  went  to  Father’s  Wedding — [the  second 
marriage  of  Daniel  Hensliaw,]  none  were  Guests,  but  our  Brothers  & 
Sisters,  and  Mr.  Bowman  [the  minister  from  Oxford].  It  being  a 
rainy  day,  disappointed  your  Uncle  and  Aunt  [Hon.  Joshua  Henshaw 
then  residing  in  the  place.]  When  you  write  I want  you  should  'tell 
me  what  we  had  best  do  this  winter.  I cannot  get  a boy  that  can 
take  care  of  the  Cattle  as  well  as  they  should  be.  And  if  Mr.  Green 
can  look  after  our  own  Stock  and  his  own  also,  he  will.  I want  your 


* This  visit  occurred  at  the  time  of  the  arrival  of  Generals  Washington  and 
Lee,  whom  Dr.  Benjamin  Church  and  Mr.  Moses  Gill  were  appointed  by  the 
Congress  at  Watertown  to  accompany  from  Springfield  to  the  army  at  Cam- 
bridge. 

Both  had  acquaintances  and  personal  friends  in  Leicester.  Mr.  Gill  was  con- 
nected with  some  of  the  families,  having  married  a daughter  of  Rev.  Thomas 
Prince,  whose  wife  was  Deborah  Denny.  Joshua  Henshaw  was  then  a resident, 
to  whom  Samuel  Adams,  in  a letter  the  following  autumn,  used  this  language 
respecting  Dr.  Church  : — 

“ I am  sorry  to  hear  of  the  late  behaviour  of  Dr.  Church.  It  is  strange  that  a 
man  should  prove  false  to  his  country.  But  I forbear  comment.  Public  spirit  is 
founded  in  public  virtues.” 

t The  post  of  Deputy  Commissary. 

j Jabez  Swan,  of  Leicester,  who  was  wounded  in  battle  on  Bunker  Ilill.  He 
was  taken  to  a hospital,  where  he  lingered  several  months. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


139 


Advice  about  it.  Corn  is  got  in  to-day,  and  will  be  husked  out  next 
Tuesday  night. 

“ Give  my  Compliments  to  the  good  Family  you  board  with,  espe- 
pecially  to  Mrs.  Hastings  and  her  Daughter. 

“ Adieu,  my  Dear, 

“ from  your  affectionate  Wife 

“ Phebe  Henshaw.” 

At  this  place,  the  Hastings  house,  Col.  Henshaw  met  with  the 
associates  of  other  days,  and  found  new  friends  also,  with  whom  he 
mingled  in  camp  life  here,  and  in  subsequent  wanderings.  Among 
the  former,  sharing  with  him  the  civilities  and  kindnesses  of  social  life, 
was  Capt.  Baldwin,  now  promoted  to  colonel,  who  by  his  personal 
worth  and  devotedness  to  public  service  was  winning  general  esteem. 
At  the  close  of  his  service  as  assistant  adjutant-general,  it  was  his  pur- 
pose to  retire  from  all  military  service;  but,  as  stated  in  Memoir,  p.  11, 
he  was  urged  by  Gen.  Washington  to  remain,  and  take  command 
of  a regiment.  On  consulting  the  subaltern  officers  of  the  three  regi- 
ments offered  him,  he  found  them  all  anticipating  promotion , and  there- 
fore would  feel  aggrieved  should  one  outside  of  their  ranks  be  preferred. 
This  was  given  verbally  by  Col.  Henshaw  in  addition  to  his  state- 
ment in  writing.  Excepting  a brief  visit  to  his  family,  he  remained 
in  Cambridge,  at  the  same  place,  till,  on  accepting  his  new  appointment 
as  lieutenant-colonel  of  a regiment,  whereof  Col.  Little  was  com- 
mander, as  he  notes,  he  “ left  Mr.  Hasting’s  and  went  to  Prospect 
Hill,  Wednesday,  10*  Jan!  1776.” 

Here  he  remained  through  the  winter,  writing  to  his  friends  when- 
ever his  circumstances  would  permit.  The  following  letter  exhibits  in 
one  paragraph  his  tender  and  affectionate  sensibilities,  and  the  ardor 
and  controlling  influence  of  his  patriotism. 

“ Camp  at  Prospect  Hill,  SO11?  Jan?  1776. 

“ My  Dear,  — I have  just  received  a line  from  you,  informing  you 
had  wrote  me  to  send  by  Ml  Earle,  with  some  things.  I have  not 
seen  Ml  Earle,  nor  the  Letter.  I have  heretofore  wrote  you  what 
things  I wanted  and  need  not  repeat  them  making  no  doubt  you  will 
send  them  by  the  first  safe  Conveyance.  I wrote  you  last,  by  Gen. 
Pomroy  and  desired  him  to  leave  the  Letter  with  Ml  Thomas  Earle, 
which  I suppose  you  have  received. 

“ This  I expect  to  send  by  Ml  Ward.  As  no  Officer  or  soldier  is  to  be 
absent  from  Camp  for  the  future,  it  will  be  seldom  that  I shall  have 


140 


REMINISCENCES  OP 


an  Opportunity  of  writing  you  ; but  shall  improve  all  I have,  well 
knowing  it  gives  you  pleasure  to  hear  of  my  welfare ; and  be  assured 
it  does  not  give  me  less  pleasure  to  hear  of  yours.  You  did  not  write 
me  how  your  Sister  Richardson  was,  nor  whether  our  Family  were  well ; 
but  I impute  it  to  your  watching  the  night  before.  Daniel  is  waiting 
to  get  the  money  due  to  him,  before  he  goes  home.  . . . This  unhappy 
War  separates  many  dear  Friends.  I pray  it  may  be  short,  and  that 
every  Person  in  this  once  happy  Land  may  again  enjoy  the  sweets  of 
Liberty,  & the  Fruits  of  his  Labor,  with  none  to  molest  or  make  him 
afraid.  We  expect  ere  long  to  have  an  Engagement  with  our  unnatural 
Enemies,  and  I hope  every  man  will  be  animated  by  the  consideration 
of  the  glorious  Cause  he  is  engaged  in,  to  behave  Valiantly  and  Soldier- 
like. I am  as  happy  here  as  I can  expect  to  be  whilst  absent  from  my 
Family,  and  which  not  anything  would  tempt  me  to  consent  to,  but  the 
great  Cause  we  are  engaged  in.  But  who,  my  Dear,  could  remain  at 
home  in  Peace,  and  enjoy  himself,  when  every  thing  that  renders  life 
dear,  is  at  stake  ! 

“ Present  my  Duty  & Love  where  due.  My  Regards  to  Ml  Conklin 
and  Mr  Allen,  & all  other  Friends.  I can  say,  my  Dear,  with  truth 
“ I am  yours  most  affectionately, 

“ W5.1  Henshaw. 

“Mrs.  Phebe  Henshaw. 

“ Jan?  31^ 

“ P.  S.  Write  me  whether  Brof  Denny  has  hired  a man  to  live 
with  you,  as  I desired  him  to  procure  a steady  Hand  for  a Year,  or  as 
long  as  he  could  agree  with  him.  If  he  has  not,  it  ought  to  be  done  as 
soon  as  possible.  What  necessaries  you  want  in  the  Family,  you  will 
provide,  and  I shall  satisfy  for  them  when  an  Opportunity  presents. 

“Eeb.  2d  — Two  oClock,  Morning. 

“ I have  just  finished  my  Night  walk,  in  going  the  Grand  Rounds, 
and  have  nothing  further  material  to  add,  except  this  — that  I should 
be  glad  of  a Visit  from  you  if  you  can  intercede  with  your  Mother  to 
take  the  charge  of  your  Family  in  your  absence.  I am  building  a New 
House  for  myself,  & should  be  glad  to  have  you  present  at  the  House 
Warming ; perhaps  it  may  be  next  week.  I expect  to  take  some  Money 
in  a few  Days,  and  shall  send  it  you,  pr  the  first  Opportunity. 

“ You  may  tell  Brof  Joseph  I expect  to  see  him  here  soon. 

“ I am  yours,  sincerely, 

“ W.  Henshaw. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


141 


“Eeb?  3? 

“There  is  just  now,  about  30  Transports  hove  in  Sight;  what  they 
are  loaded  with,  we  cannot  tell.” 

The  “ New  House  ” on  Prospect  Hill  was  finished  in  the  course  of 
the  month,  and  in  due  time  the  proposed  visit  was  made  in  company 
with  other  friends,  as  seen  by  the  letters  that  followed. 

“ Leicester,  March  26'.h  1776. 

“My  Dear, — This  by  Mr.  Southgate,  who  I hope,  will  find  you 
well,  but  where,  I know  not.  I have  not  heard  a word  from  you 
since  I saw  you.  I heartily  congratulate  you  on  the  Removal  of  our 
Frightened  Enemies,  and  for  my  part,  am  very  willing  (with  ye  Rev? 
Ml  Cleaveland)  that  a Wind  might  blow  upon  them,  and  send  them 
quite  away.  Perhaps  you  have  seen  Cozen  Andrew,  who  could  tell 
you  that  we  got  home  well  & found  all  well,  and  so  remain.  Brother 
David  is  very  poorly  — has  many  signs  of  a settled  Fever.  My 
Mother  is  sick  of  a Pleurisy  Fever,  but  has  no  dangerous  symptoms 
as  yet.  My  Sister  is  very  low  indeed.  She  grows  weaker  fast,  and 
soon,  I expect,  will  be  no  more,  when  I must  mourn  her  loss,  a dear 
Friend,  and  an  only  Sister.  ..... 

“I  hope  you  will  have  an  Opportunity  & write  a few  lines  by  Mr. 
Southgate  just  to  inform  me  of  your  Welfare  ; and  if  you  do  not 
expect  to  be  at  home  soon,  don’t  fail  of  informing  me  or  Brother  Joseph 
what  you  would  have  done  concerning  our  Cattle  & Hay,  &c  — We  have 
some  to  spare,  of  each,  and  cows  we  must  buy,  and  soon,  oxen  will  be 
in  great  demand  for  Spring  work ; therefore  what  I wish  you  to  tell 
us,  is,  which  yoke  you  will  sell,  and  whether  you  would  have  as  much 
Hay  sold  as  your  Brothers  may  think  we  can  spare  — also  whether 
you  would  have  brother  Jos.  purchase  one  or  two  Cows.  Daniel 
Denny  is  gone  home.  Phinehas  Converse  has  come  to  stay  here  six 
months,  for  £36  — the  cheapest  I could  get,  and  well  recommended. 
I heartily  wish  you  could  come  home,  if  it  were  but  for  three  days. 
However,  you  know  best.  Since  writing  the  above,  I have  been 
watching  with  my  Mother  who  appears  to  be  so  weak  and  low,  that 
she  thinks  she  cannot  continue  long.  She  desires  to  be  remembered 
to  you.  She  seems  entirely  willing  to  leave  the  world.  Nothing 
more  but  to  commit  you  to  God  in  whose  hands  we  all  are.  If  pos- 
sible, my  Dear,  come  and  see  us  in  this  day  of  affliction. 

“ Your  ever  affectionate  Wife, 

“ Phebe  IIenshaw.” 


142 


REMINISCENSES  OF 


The  person  frequently  mentioned  as  brother  Denny  was  Samuel 
Denny,  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  1st  Regiment  of  Militia  for  Wor- 
cester County,  and,  as  such,  marched  with  his  brother-in-law  on  the 
19th  April.  His  house  was  in  the  extreme  northwest  corner  of  the 
town.  While  he  was  hastily  preparing  for  the  rapid  march,  his  wife  as 
hastily  penned  a few  lines  to  her  brother,  expressive  of  her  sorrow, 
and  of  her  confidence  in  Divine  protection. 

“Leicester  April  194.h  1775. 

“ Dear  Brother,  — My  Parting  with  you  on  such  an  occasion, 
you  must  needs  think  is  a heavy  Trial  to  me.  But  when  I consider 
that  you  have  the  same  Preserver  there  that  you  have  here,  it  com- 
forts me  very  much,  for  He  can  be  with  you  in  the  midst  of  Danger 
and  deliver  you.  O may  He  preserve  you  from  the  Temptations  that 
attend  such  an  Army.  He  is  able,  my  dear  Brother,  to  carry  you 
through  all  Difficulties,  and  to  return  you  to  us  in  Safety.  It  is  a very 
sore  Trial  for  me  to  part  with  you,  but  as  God  in  his  Providence  is 
calling  you  forth,  I ought  not  to  murmur,  for  you  are  in  the  hands  of  a 
merciful  God.  Therefore  keep  up  a light  Heart  & put  your  Trust  in 
Him.  The  Angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that  fear 
him,  & delivereth  them.  This  is  good  encouragement  for  us  to  trust 
in  him.  When  you  are  gone  from  us,  don’t  fail  of  writing  every 
Opportunity.  I hope  God  will  give  you  Success  & Victory  over  all 
your  Enemies,  both  spiritual  & temporal.  You  have  the  best  wishes 
of  your  ever  loving  & affectionate  Sister,  Elizabeth  Denny.” 

Three  months  later,  when  her  oldest  child,  a youth  of  seventeen, 
was  in  the  employ  of  her  brother,  at  Cambridge,  she  wrote  as  fol- 
lows : — 

“ Leicester,  July  ye  19,  1775. 

“ Dear  Brother,  — I sit  down  in  the  greatest  Hurry  to  write  a 
Line  to  you,  and  should  not  have  omitted  it  so  long,  if  I had  had  an 
Opportunity  to  send  it  direct.  As  you  are  called  out  by  Providence 
in  Defense  of  your  Country,  I hope  you  will  have  the  Assistance  & 
Direction  of  the  Almighty  that  you  might  be  enabled  to  get  the  appro- 
bation of  your  fellowmen,  and  above  all,  of  your  Creator.  I pray  you 
may  be  kept  in  his  fear  and  favor,  & that  He  might  encompass  you 
about  as  with  a shield,  and  may  you  be  returned  in  Safety  in  his  own 
time,  victorious  over  all  your  Enemies.  I hope  I shall  not  be  unmind- 
ful of  your  Family  in  your  absence,  as  you  and  yours  are  nearly  con- 
nected to  me  by  the  bonds  of  nature,  and  strongly  united  by  affection  ; 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HEN  SHAW. 


143 


and  I look  upon  myself  as  under  too  great  obligations  to  you,  also,  to 
be  forgetful  of  yours. 

“ Gratitude  oblidges  me  to  mention  your  repeated  kindnesses  to 
my  child,  which  is  more  acceptable  to  me  than  if  shown  to  myself. 
And,  as  he  informs  me,  he  is  to  be  more  particularly  under  your  Care, 
I hope  you  will  not  be  wanting  in  teaching  and  advising  of  him  both  to 
know  his  place  & his  Duty,  as  he  will  take  it  kindly  of  you ; for  in 
many  things  you  must  expect  he  will  be  ignorant.  But  as  far  as  lie 
knows,  I hope  he  will  serve  you  with  Fidelity.  I think  I can  say,  as 
far  as  I know,  you  may  confide  in  him. 

“ I must  leave  you  with  wishing  you  the  best  of  Heaven’s  blessings, 
and  if  you  should  be  brought  to  jeopard  your  Life  on  the  field  of 
battle,  O that  your  head  may  be  covered  and  every  Instrument  of 
Death  be  so  guided  that  it  may  not  touch  you.  You  have  the  Prayers 
& best  wishes  of 

“ Your  ever  loving  and  Affectionate  Sister, 

“ Elizabeth  Denny. 

“ P.  S.  Mr.  Denny  sends  his  love  to  you,  and  wishes  you  Pros- 
perity. I slept  att  your  house  the  week  before  last,  with  your  wife. 
Excuse  all  haste.” 

Another  sister,  residing  very  near  his  house,  also  indited  many  let- 
ters of  sympathizing  interest  and  concern  to  one  for  whom  she  always 
expressed  throughout  her  long  life  the  strongest  attachment  and  affection. 

“ March  4,  1776. 

“Dear  Brother,  — Having  an  Opportunity,  I embrace  it,  and 
send  these  lines,  & hope  they  will  find  you  enjoying  a good  Measure 
of  Health.  Oh  my  Brother,  I find  myself  often  too  anxiously  con- 
cerned for  you,  but  check  myself,  and  carry  you  in  Faith  and  Prayer, 
to  a gracious  God  who  is  able  to  take  care  of  them  that  are  his.  I 
know  he  is  able  to  preserve  you,  tho  ’ ten  thousand  Dangers  surround 
you.  In  such  a place,  you  must  unavoidably  be  exposed  to  dangers  & 
temptations.  May  you  not  have  any  more  laid  upon  you,  than  the 
Almighty  will  be  pleased  to  enable  you  to  bear.  My  dear  Brother, 
trust  in  the  Lord,  be  of  good  Courage,  and  He  will  sustain  you. 
‘Wait  I say,  on  the  Lord.’  To  his  care  & Protection  do  I commend 
you.  Mr.  Wheeler  joins  me  in  love  to  you.  The  Children  send  their 
Duty.  From  your  affectionate  friend  & Sister, 

“Mary  Belcher  Wheeler.” 

Addressed  to  “ Col.  William  Henshaw, 

“ at  Prospect  Hill,  Cambridge.” 

19 


144 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


An  older  brother,  Benjamin  Henshaw  of  Middletown,  Conn.,  who  had 
always  maintained  a constant  correspondence,  now  wrote  many  a letter 
of  inquiry  or  information.  His  son,  Benjamin  Henshaw,  junior,  was 
serving  in  the  army  as  a Connecticut  soldier. 

“ Middletown,  Aug.  5,  1775. 

“Dear  Brother,  — I have  made  much  enquiry  for  you  since  I 
saw  you  at  Hartford,  but  could  not  find  whether  you  are  at  Leicester, 
or  the  Camp,  till  a few  days  ago  Cap1?  James  Wadsworth,  our  Com- 
missary, informed  me  you  are  Deputy  Adj!  Gen!  of  ye  Army,  and  Ml 
Joseph  Farnsworth  of  this  Town,  (who  brings  this)  told  me  the  same, 
yesterday.  I should  have  been  to  see  you  before  now,  but  being  in- 
formed that  every  Body  came  & was  such  an  incumbrance  that  it  was 
very  disagreeable  to  ye  Officers,  that  determined  me  not  to  go,  as  I could 
be  of  no  service  there.  But  I believe  I shall,  ere  long,  visit  you.  In 
the  mean  time,  pray  write  me  what  Office  you  sustain,  beside  ye  above. 
Whether  you  act  as  Col0,  and  receive  pay  for  both,  and  whether 
brother  Joseph  is  there,  and  in  what  Capacity:  — how  our  Friends  at 
Leicester  are,  and  any  other  interesting  Intelligence.  Pray  let  me 
hear  from  you  as  often  as  your  Leisure  will  permit. 

“ I am  in  great  haste.  All  our  family  are  well.  Your  loving 
Brother,  Benjamin  Henshaw. 

“ P.  S.  — Pray  inform  me  where  uncle  Billy  [Henshaw]  is,  and 
uncle  Bass  is,  and  where  Cousin  Andrew  is.” 

“ To  Col0  William  Henshaw, 

“ Depf  Adj*.  Gen!  of  the  Army 

“ At  the  Camp  near  Boston.” 

“Middletown,  Nov.  16l.h,  1775. 

“ Dear  Brother,  — I received  yours  pr.  Admiral  McPherson 
who  arrived  here  last  Saturday  afternoon.  I waited  on  him  at  his 
Lodging,  and  spent  about  an  Hour  with  him.  Pray  write  me  pr.  all 
opportunities,  and  let  me  know  whether  you  have  the  Regiment  you 
expected  some  time  ago,  or  in  what  Capacity  you  now  are.  I con- 
gratulate you  on  the  Reduction  of  Chamblea  & St.  Johns.  Your 
Nephew,  Benjamin,  was  at  ye  taking  the  latter,  and  a brave  Soldier, 
they  tell  me,  he  makes.  Pray  contract  an  acquaintance,  and  if  you 
can,  an  Intimacy,  with  Revrd  Mr.  Johnson,  the  Bearer  of  this.  You 
will  find  him  a worthy,  good  man,  and  a very  agreeable  friend  — - much 
such  a one  as  our  Revr.d  uncle  Bass,*  much  of  his  turn  of  mind,  and 


* Rev.  Benjamin  Bass,  for  whom  the  writer  of  the  letter  was  named. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


145 


something  of  his  look.  Pray  give  me  as  many  particulars  of  public 
and  family  affairs  as  you  can.  This  has  been  Thanksgiving  Day  with 
us ; Dancing  & Diversions  were  forbid,  and  the  prohibition  was  duti- 
fully observed.  I have  nothing  new  to  inform  you  of,  so  conclude  by 
subscribing  myself  Your  affectionate  Brother, 

“ Benjamin  Henshaw.” 

To 

“ Col°  William  Henshaw 

“At  the  Camp  in  Cambridge,  or  at  the  House  of  Jonathan  Hast- 
ings, Esq!  Under  Cover  to  Rev1!  Mr.  Johnson.” 

“ Middletown,  March  24'^,  1776. 

“ Dear  Brother,  — I congratulate  you  upon  our  Troops  taking 
possession  of  Boston,  without  the  Loss  of  Lives,  and  regret  your  not 
having  had  the  Small  Pox,  that  you  might  have  had  the  satisfaction  of 
going  in.  I intend  seeing  you  within  about  a Fortnight,  when  if  a 
Permit  is  necessary  to  go  in,  shall  depend  on  your  procuring  one  for 
me.  My  Business  is  so  urgent,  that  I caunot  possibly  leave  it  at  pres- 
ent — yet  I am  much  tempted  to  break  away,  and  leave  all  at  loose 
ends,  for  I never  wanted  so  much  to  go  down,  in  my  Life,  as  at  this 
time.  If  you  can,  give  me  a Line  by  the  Bearer,  Mf  Thing,  and  let 
me  know  how  matters  are,  there.  We  are  all  well  here,  as  was  my 
Son  Benny,  at  Montreal  ye  19'.h  Feb?,  ye  last  I heard  from  him.  Is 
uncle  William  in  Boston  yet,  or  not?  Is  brother  Daniel  in  ye  Camp, 
or  at  Leicester?  How  does  Father  & our  new  Mother  do,  and  all 
Friends  at  Leicester?  Where  is  Uncle  Bass  & Moses,  cousin  Ben- 
jamin & Alden  Bass  ? These  and  a thousand  other  Questions  I want 
answered.  If  you  give  me  a part  in  your  answer,  it  may  suffice  till  I 
see  you.  My  Wife  and  Children  send  their  Love  to  you. 

“I  remain  your  affectionate  Brother, 

“ Benjamin  Henshaw.” 

On  April  1,  Colonel  Henshaw  “was  sent  with  a detachment  of 
troops  to  look  after  the  enemy  at  Newport  where  a British  fleet  of 
thirty  sail  had  just  made  its  appearance,  but  which  soon  left,  however, 
without  doing  or  receiving  much  damage.  After  a short  furlough,  he 
was  transferred,  with  the  main  body  of  the  Army,  to  New  York.” 
Here,  and  at  Long  Island,  for  several  months  he  had  frequent 
opportunities  to  send  letters  to  his  family,  which  he  invariably  im- 
proved. 


146 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


“ New  York,  29th  April,  1776. 

“ My  Dear,  — You  undoubtedly  are  anxious  to  know  where  I am, 
or  am  like  to  be  — at  present,  am  here,  & shall  remain  here  or  near 
this  place,  until  we  hear  what  course  the  Enemy  steers  ; then  I suppose 
we  shall  follow  them.  Four  of  our  Regiment  set  off  for  Quebec  last 

Week.  Six  more  are  to  go  to  Morrow. 1 have  been  very  well 

since  I left  you,  & should  be  very  glad  to  hear  that  you  and  our  little 
Family  have  been  so.  You  can  write  to  me  under  cover  to  Brother 
Benjamin,  who  will  forward  it  to  me.  If  my  Chest  is  not  brought 
from  Cambridge,  I hope  you  will  lose  no  time  in  getting  it  home.  Mr. 
Allen  will  have  Opportunities  to  send  for  it  by  Teams  passing  that 
way.  [Joseph  Allen,  merchant  in  Leicester,  who  sent  for  goods  by 
these  teams.]  You  may  tell  Jonathan  Sargent,  his  son  Jonathan  is 
well.  Give  my  Duty  to  Parents,  love  to  Brothers  & Sisters,  & to  our 
Family.  Having  nothing  further  at  present  to  add  but  that 
“I  am  your  affectionate  Friend  & Husband, 

“ W“  Henshaw.” 

“ Long  Island,  15th  May,  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — It  is  with  Pleasure  I improve  every  Opportunity  to 
inform  you  of  my  welfare,  being  fully  persuaded  it  gives  you  the  great- 
est Satisfaction  that  I am  capable  of  at  this  distance.  I would  hope 
that  you  omit  no  Opporl  of  doing  me  the  like  kindness.  I enjoy  my- 
self as  well  as  I can  expect  while  absent  from  my  Family,  and  it  would 
add  to  my  happiness  to  know  you  were  well.  I can’t  inform  you  of 
anything  new,  but  would  refer  you  to  the  Public  Prints  for  News. 
Encourage  the  Children  in  Learning,  and  every  Virtuous  Action.  I 
shall  heartily  rejoice  when  the  happy  Time  comes  that  shall  settle  this 
unnatural  struggle  on  an  honorable  & lasting  Basis,  when  we  can  sit 
peaceably  under  our  own  Vines  & Fig  Trees,  & there  be  none  to  molest 
us.  Give  my  Duty,  Love,  & Compliments  where  due,  & believe  me 
to  be  Yours  Affectionately, 

“ W“  Henshaw.” 

“ Long  Island  22d  May. 

“ I sent  you  by  Colonel  Learned  50  Dollars  some  time  ago,  with 
directions  how  to  lay  it  out,  & let  me  know  whether  you  have  received 
it.  Get  some  Person  to  make  you  a new  Well  Curb,  and  fix  the  Pole 
so  that  there  be  no  danger  of  Drawing  Water.  I have  not  received  a 
Letter  from  you  since  I left  you.  The  Bearer  will  return  in  about  10 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


147 


Days.  If  you  leave  a Letter  at  Josy’s,  he  will  take  it.  Yrs  W1? 
Henshaw. 

“ Mrs.  Pliebe  Henshaw.” 

“ Camp,  Long  Island  3d  June,  1776. 

“ My  Dear,  — I have  not  received  a Line  from  you  since  I left 
Leicester,  but  will  not  impute  it  to  anything  but  want  of  Opportuni- 
ties, or  that  you  have  wrote,  & the  Letters  have  been  miscarried.  If 
this  comes  by  Mr  Porter,  I shall  send  by  him  thirty  Dollars.  I would 
have  you  pay  Bro.  Joseph  5 Dollars.  With  the  remainder  you  may 
purchase  a Cow,  if  you  wish  for  one,  or  otherwise,  as  your  Prudence 
shall  direct.  Inform  me,  when  you  write,  of  everything  you  judge 
me  desirous  of  knowing.  Give  my  Love  to  Relations  & Friends  & 
believe  me  “ Affectionately  Yours 

“ W™  Henshaw.” 

“ Long  Island  5th  June,  1776. 

“ Dear  Phebe,  — I shall  write  you  so  often  as  to  be  rather  troub- 
lesome, if  I continue  to  write  as  I have  done ; but  opportys,  I expect, 
will  be  less  frequent.  You  err  on  the  other  hand,  as  I have  not  heard 
from  you  since  I left  you.  I hope  M!  Porter  the  Bearer,  will  find 
you  well.  I would  have  you  entertain  him  as  well  as  you  can.  By 
him  I send  40  Dollars : five  of  them,  pay  to  Bro!  Joseph,  four  to 
Bro!  Daniel:  the  rest  I leave  with  you,  to  do  with  as  you  think  most 
advisable.  My  Love  & Compliments  where  due,  is  all  at  present, 
from  yours  affectionately  “ W“  Henshaw.” 

“ Long  Island  16*!'  June,  1776. 

“ My  Dear,  — I received  yours  of  the  2 6*.h  May,  three  or  four  Days 
agone,  the  only  one  I have  had  from  you.  It  gave  me  great  pleasure 
to  hear  you  all  were  in  Health.  God  grant  you  may  all  continue  so, 
and  give  you  Grace  to  be  truly  thankful  for  so  great  a Mercy.  — I am 
much  obliged  to  you  for  your  Advice.  I always  bear  testimony 
against  projdiane  language ; but  it  is  very  difficult  to  put  a stop  to  it 
in  an  Army,  & too  many  Officers,  by  setting  bad  examples,  encourage 
the  Soldiers  in  their  Prophanity.  Tho’  it  is  the  Duty  of  Officers  to 
abstain  from  Swearing  themselves,  & punish  those  (under  them)  who 
practise  it. 

“ May  God  pardon  our  manifold  Sins,  and  avert  the  Judgments  that 
threaten  us. 

“ Give  my  Love  & respects  where  due. 

“ I am  yours  affectionately, 


W?  Henshaw/ 


148 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


“ New  York  18h.'  June,  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — Would  just  inform  you  I am  in  Health,  and  hope 
these  will  find  you  and  all  our  Friends  so.  Shall  he  glad  to  be  informed 
in  your  next,  whether  my  Chest  & things  are  brol  from  Cambridge  ; 
whether  Major  Cudworth  left  my  Sword ; how  things  go  on  at  home, 
&°  We  have  expected  the  Enemy  here  this  some  time,  but  they  have 
not  as  yet  arrived.  Our  Affairs  at  Canada  begin  to  wear  a more 
favorable  aspect.  Gen!  Thomas  died  there  of  the  Small  Pox.  L‘ 
Benja  Brown  has  had  it,  and  is  now  well.  Reuben  Earle  is  well, 
which  you  may  inform  his  wife  of : my  Respects  where  due.  from 
“ Your  Affectionate  Husband 

“W?  Henshaw.” 


“ Long  Island  22a  June,  1776. 

“Dear  Phebe,  — I have  nothing  new  to  inform  you  of — have 
wrote  you  so  often  that  you  may  well  be  tired  of  reading  the  letters 
you  receive.  Should  be  glad  to  hear  from  You  oftener ; have  re- 
ceived but  one  letter  from  you  since  I left  home. 

“ Ml  Thomas  Earle  promised  to  send  a Gun  which  he  had  in  hand 
for  the  General,  and  which  I am  surprized  he  has  not  sent. 

“Just  this  moment,  I hear  a Plot  has  been  discovered  which  the 
Tories  laid  to  seize  or  kill  all  the  General  Officers  of  the  Army  at  one 
and  the  same  time,  & seize  & blow  up  the  Magazines.  The  Mayor  of 
this  City  was  taken  last  Night  on  Long  Island.  My  love  to  all  Friends. 
“ from  Yours,  affectionately, 

“ W™  Henshaw.” 


[Later.] 

“ Long  Island  22d  June,  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — These  pi  Ml  Earle,  I hope  will  find  a continuance 
of  Health  in  our  Family- and  Friends  — Last  Evening  a Conspiracy 
of  the  Tories  was  discovered:  their  Plan  was  to  Murder  Gen1  Wash- 
ington, seize  on  the  Persons  of  the  other  General  Officers,  & blow  up 
our  Magazines,  at  the  Instant  of  Time  the  King’s  Troops  should  land. 
A Number  of  our  Officers  rode  last  Night  to  Flat  Bush  on  this  Island, 
& seized  the  Mayor  of  the  City  who  is  now  in  safe  Custody,  & sup- 
posed to  be  in  the  Conspiracy;  several  others  are  also  taken,  and  the 
Names  of  others  we  have,  which  I hope  we  shall  soon  be  able  to  give 
a good  account  of. 

“In  haste,  I conclude:  Yours,  affectionately, 

“ W“  Henshaw.” 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


149 


“ Mr.  Thomas  Earle  was  distinguished  for  his  mechanical  skill  and 
ingenuity.  In  1774  he  manufactured  a gun  of  exquisite  workmanship 
for  Col.  William  Ilenshaw,  who  took  it  with  him  to  Cambridge  when 
in  the  service,  1775.  Here  it  fell  under  the  observation  of  Gen. 
Washington,  who  admired  it  so  much  that  he  ordered  one  of  the  same 
pattern.  Mr.  Earle,  having  completed  it,  loaded  and  primed  it,  and 
placed  it  under  water,  all  but  the  muzzle,  during  a night;  and  taking 
it  out  in  the  morning,  discharged  it  as  if  it  had  just  been  loaded. 
He  carried  it  to  New  York,  where  the  army  then  lay,  and  delivered  it 
personally  to  Gen.  Washington,  having  travelled  the  distance  on  foot, 
and  carried  it  upon  his  shoulder.  It  received  great  commendation  for 
its  perfection  of  workmanship.”  — Washburn’s  History  of  Leicester. 

“ At  Cambridge  Col.  Henshaw  formed  a somewhat  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  the  commander-in-chief,  to  whose  head-quarters  offi- 
cial duties  brought  him  daily.  A warm  and  mutual  friendship  followed, 
which  lasted,  at  least,  through  the  war,  and  was  manifested  by  many 
kindnesses  and  courtesies  extended  and  reciprocated  while  at  this  place. 
Col.  Henshaw  took  with  him  a gun  of  light  calibre  and  of  curious  and 
ingenious  workmanship,  made  expressly  for  him  by  his  neighbor  and 
friend,  Thomas  Earle,  a skilful  artisan  and  enthusiastic  artist.  It 
bears  the  maker’s  name.  The  trigger,  guarded  by  a stout  silver  band, 
a half-circle,  with  braces  projecting  each  way,  fastened  to  the  stock 
with  silver-headed  screws ; thumb-piece  on  top ; back  of  the  lock  is  a 
silver  plate  inlaid,  on  which  is  ingeniously  wrought  the  family  coat 
of  arms.  Another  long  silver  plate,  on  the  left-hand  side  of  the 
stock,  opposite  of  the  lock,  representing  a serpent  with  mouth  open,  and 
forked  tongue  protruding ; silver  loops  are  under  the  barrel  to  hold  the 
ramrod,  and  plate  of  the  same  metal  on  the  butt  end  of  the  breech. 
Several  curious  devices  in  silver  are  embossed  on  the  cherry  case. 
Gen.  Washington  admired  this  gun,  often  handled  it,  and  requested  Mr. 
Henshaw  to  order  one  for  him  by  the  same  maker,  of  the  same  pattern, 
a little  longer  in  some  parts  (to  suit  the  general’s  longer  arms).  Mr. 
Earle  was  a long  time  in  executing  the  order,  improving  upon  the  taste 
and  finish  of  the  former;  and,  having  no  silver  in  bars,  he  melted  coin 
for  the  trimmings  of  both.  Having  at  length  completed  it  to  his  own 
satisfaction,  he  encased  it  carefully,  and  trudged  with  it  to  New  York, 
where,  after  an  introduction  by  his  townsman,  he  enjoyed  a short  inter- 
view with  his  illustrious  patron ; and,  it  is  related,  received  a compli- 
mentary reward  of  $200.”  — H.  G.  Henshaw. 


150 


REMINISCENCES  OP 


The  gun  thus  minutely  described  is  the  one  alluded  to  in  the  letter 
above,  and,  as  it  appears  by  other  letters,  was  delivered  in  the  course  of 
the  summer. 

At  this  time,  postal  arrangements  were  made  by  which,  letters  to  and 
from  New  York  could  be  conveyed  with  some  regularity  by  “ post-rid- 
ers ” from  one  point  to  another.  Col.  Joseph  Henshaw  was  appointed 
for  this  purpose,  — to  receive  and  forward  letters  from  his  office  at 
Mt.  Pleasant,  Leicester. 

“ Long  Island  July  13".'  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — I have  received  two  Letters  from  you  since  I left 
home,  & should  be  glad  to  hear  of  your  Welfare  oftener.  You  can 
write  by  the  Post  which  is  a sure  way  of  conveyance.  I sent  you  by 
Mr.  Porter,  40  Dollars  which  I hope  you  have  receiv’d.  If  my  things 
are  not  brought  from  Cambridge,  I hope  you  will  not  lose  any  time  in 
getting  them.  At  Staten  Island,  about  four  miles  from  us,  there  are 
about  140  Ships  & Ten  Thousand  Troops;  we  expect  daily  to  have  an 
Engagement  with  them.  Yesterday  four  of  them  sailed  by  New  York 
up  the  North  River:  they  were  Canonaded  by  all  our  Forts  as  they 
passed  by  them ; what  damage  they  received  we  can’t  tell,  but  saw 
Numbers  of  Shot  strike  them. 

“My  Duty  to  Parents,  Love  to  Brothers,  Sisters  & Friends,  not  for- 
getting our  Children. 

“ I am  Yours  affec’.7 

“ Wm  Henshaw.” 

The  reception  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  by  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, its  being  read  to  the  Continental  troops,  and  its  inspiriting  effect 
upon  them,  are  well  known.  To  one  who  had  always  inculcated  union 
of  sentiment,  purpose,  and  action,  throughout  the  colonies,  it  must  have 
been  a peculiar  pleasure  to  discontinue  the  use  of  the  words  “ prov- 
inces,” “ colonies,”  and  to  adopt  in  their  stead  the  United  States  of 
America. 

“Brooklyn,  Long  Island,  17*  July.  1776. 

“ Dear  Piiebe,  — By  leaving  a letter  at  Brol  Josey’s,  you  may 
have  au  Opportunity  of  conveying  one  to  me  by  the  Bearer. 

“ We  have  had  several  Flags  of  Truce  sent  us  from  the  Enemy. 
The  first  was  refus’d  because  they  neglected  to  give  General  Washing- 
ton his  Title.  They  have  since,  comply’d.  Lord  Howe  pretends  he 
came  with  full  power  to  settle  the  Disputes  between  England  & The 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


151 


United  States  of  America,  and  is  sorry  he  had  not  arrived  before 
Independence  was  Declared. 

“ I sent  you  last  Month,  by  Ml  Jabez  Porter  of  Malden,  40  Dollars, 
which  I hope  you  have  received,  and  a black  Barcelona  Handkerchief. 
I have  received  two  Letters  from  you  since  I have  been  in  this  Place ; 
should  be  very  glad  to  hear  from  you  oftener.  That  you  and  all  our 
Delations  & Friends  may  enjoy  Health  & Happiness,  is  the  real 
Wish  of  “ Yours  Affectionately 

“ W5.'  Henshaw. 

“ P.  S.  I lent  Reuben  Earle  20  dollars  when  he  was  here,  which 
you  may  get  of  him,  when  you  want  it.” 


“ Long  Island  22?  July  1776. 


“ Dear  Phebe,  — I omit  no  Opportunity  of  Writing  to  you,  though 
they  should  offer  every  Day.  Two  Letters  I have  received  from  you, 
and  One  from  Bror  Josey.  General  Lee  has  had  a Battle  with  the 
Regulars  at  South  Carolina.  Killed  & Wounded  172  of  them.  He 
had  10  Killed  & 22  Wounded.  They  lost  a 20  Gun  Ship,  and  had  2 
more  very  much  damaged.  After  a Canouade  of  12  hours,  they 
were  oblig’d  to  return  to  their  Old  Quarters.  Inform  me  in  your 
next,  of  what  news  you  can.  It  being  late  at  Night,  I must  drop  my 
pen,  with  my  Love  to  all  Friends.  I am,  my  Dear, 

“Yours  sincerely, 

“ W"  Henshaw.” 


Mrs.  Henshaw  to  her  husband,  addressed 
To  Col?  William  Henshaw 
on 

Long  Island 
at 

New  York. 

Pr.  Mr.  Thomas  Earle.) 


“ Leicester  July  22?  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — I have  been  impatiently  waiting  for  Mr.  Earle  to 
start,  that  I might  have  the  Pleasure  of  writing  you.  Have  wrote  by 
Capt.  Lincoln.  Which  will  see  you  first,  I know  not,  but  hope  & pray 
that  both  will  find  you  well,  as  they  leave  all  our  Family  & Friends. 
I have  already  informed  you  that  my  Sister  is  dead,  which  you  ex- 
pected to  hear;  therefore  it  will  be  no  surprise  to  you.  Nor  was  it  to 
me  to  see  her  a going,  because  I knew  she  had  so  long  expected  and 
longed  for  it.  Although  I have  great  Reason  to  mourn  the  Loss  of  a 
very  good  Friend,  and  an  only  Sister,  yet  our  Loss  being  her  great 
Gain,  much  assuages  our  Grief  concerning  her.  Yesterday  I received 


20 


152 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


by  Post,  yours  of  ye  1 3th  inst.  Am  much  obliged  to  you  for  that  & 
many  others,  one  pr  Mr.  Reuben  Earle,  &c.  Have  also  received  the 
50  Dollars,  and  the  40  Dollars  by  Col°  Learnard,  and  Mr.  Porter. 
The  Letters  you  have  received  are  all  I have  sent,  but  I hope,  (if  our 
Lives  are  preserved)  that  I shall  have  Opportunities  oftener.  Our 
Friends  all  join  in  Love  to  you,  my  Mother  in  particular.  Pray  write 
me  as  often  as  you  can.  Oh  that  you  were  where  I could  better  ex- 
press my  affection  for  you.  Sally  & Betsy  send  their  Duty,  and  thank 
you  for  your  Advice  to  them.  So  commending  you  to  God  who  has 
ever  been  our  Protector,  I leave  you,  praying  that  he  would  still  pre- 
serve you  from  Death  and  every  hurtful  Snare.  May  we  be  prepared 
for  the  worst  Events.  Adieu,  my  Dear,  from  your  very  Affec4.®  Wife 

“Phebe  Henshaw. 

“ P.  S.  Our  things  are  not  yet  brought  from  Cambridge,  which  I am 
sorry  to  write,  but  I have  spared  no  Pains  to  get  them  home.  Have 
some  hopes  yet,  either  by  some  Team  for  Mr.  Allen,  or  by  one  going 
to  Watertown  with  Salt  Petre.  I hire  work  by  the  Day,  the  only 
way  I can  get  any  done,” 

“ Long  Island,  SO11?  July  1776. 

“ My  Dear, — I feel  uneasy  at  not  hearing  from  you  oftener.  Have 
rec’d  but  two  Letters  since  I left  home.  People  from  the  County  of 
Worcester  arrived  on  Sunday  at  New  York,  & was  Order’d  back  on 
Monday  to  King’s  Bridge,  about  15  miles  off  where  I suppose,  they 
will  be  stationed.  I have  not  seen  them.  If  you  receive  all  my 
letters,  you  have  them  often.  The  Enemy  still  lye  at  Staten  Island  ; 
15  Ships  more  were  added  to  them  Yesterday.  We  are  preparing 
Fire  Rafts  to  destroy  them.  Hope  this  will  find  you  & Family  all 
well : my  Regards  to  Friends.  That  you  may  enjoy  Health  & Hap- 
piness, is  the  hearty  & sincere  wish  of 

“ Yours  affectionly 

“ WM  Henshaw. 

“ Duty  to  Parents,  & Love  to  Children  Brothers  & Sisters.” 

Several  more  letters  followed  this  before  the  eventful  27th  August, 
the  news  of  which  must  have  brought  fear  and  anxiety  to  the  families 
and  friends  of  many  Worcester  County  soldiers  engaged  in  it.  No 
dispatches,  with  electric  speed,  reached  them  in  those  solemn  days,  to 
confirm  their  fears,  or  rejoice  their  hearts  with  the  assurance  of  preser- 
vation. The  following  lines,  written  in  the  utmost  haste,  and  prob- 
ably sent  by  post,  according  to  indorsement  by  the  one  to  whom  they 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


153 


were  addressed,  were  “Receiv’d  Septf  15*?  1776,”  — a long  time  to 
live  in  weary  suspense. 

“ Long  Island  Aug*.  29th  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — I have  but  just  Time  to  inform  you  I am  well,  as  I 
hope  this  will  find  you,  our  Family  and  Friends.  You  will  undoubt- 
edly hear,  before  you  see  this,  that  we  have  had  an  Engagement  with 
the  Enemy ; were  surrounded  by  them,  & had  a number  Kill’d  & 
Taken.  I was  with  the  Party  who  were  Surrounded,  & through  a 
kind  Providence,  got  through  their  Fire  without  being  Wounded  or 
Taken.  The  Particulars  of  which  I have  not  time  to  relate,  as  the 
Enemy  are  close  to  us,  & we  expect  to  be  attack’d  every  hour.  I have 
wrote  to  Brof  Josy  by  this  Conveyance,  which  Letter  he  will  let  you 
see.  May  God  bless  & preserve  you  from  every  disaster,  is  the  unre- 
mitting wish  of  “ Yours  affectionately 

“ W”  Henshaw. 

“ Give  my  Duty  to  Father  & Mother,  & kind  Love  to  Brothers, 
Sisters,  Children,  &c.” 

“N.  York  Sept  Is.*  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — Last  Friday  we  left  Long  Island,  (being  unable  to 
keep  it  any  longer  without  being  made  Prisoners)  and  came  to  New 
York.  How  long  we  shall  stay  here  is  uncertain.  Our  Public  Ene- 
mies are  numerous  — our  private  Ones  not  a few.  Happy  shall  I 
esteem  myself,  if  I live  to  see  these  Publick  Calamities  at  an  End, — 
when  we  can  live  peaceably  at  home,  & enjoy  the  Fruit  of  our  Labours, 
the  Sweets  of  Liberty  and  none  to  molest  us : 7 Regiments  marched  to 
King’s  Bridge  Yesterday  Afternoon.  Lord  Sterling  and  Gen!  Sullivan 
are  made  Prisoners  by  the  Enemy,  Sullivan  was  with  us  yesterday  on 
his  Parole,  and  is  now  gone  to  Philadelphia  to  Congress.  Numbers 
of  our  People  who  were  surrounded  by  the  Enemy  at  Flat  Bush,  and 
we  thought  were  taken  by  them,  have  since,  got  in.  My  Duty  to 
Parents.  Love  to  Sally,  Bettsey,  Ruthy  & Josy,  Brothers,  Sisters,  & 
all  Friends,  with  which  I conclude. 

“ Yours  Affectionately 

“W“  Henshaw.” 

“Leicester  August  y!  26th  1776. 

“My  Dear, — -I  have  been  long  waiting  for  this  Opportunity.  Mr. 
Earle  has  been  a going  to  New  York  every  Week  these  two  Months 
past:  tomorrow  he  is  to  set  off.  I hope  he  will  see  you  well.  He 
can  better  describe  how  things  are  here,  than  I can  with  my  pen.  I 


154 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


am  much  oblig’d  to  you  for  taking  so  much  care  to  write  to  me  so 
often,  and  should  be  very  glad  could  I have  the  Pleasure  of  writing  to 
you  oftener.  But  my  living  out  of  the  post  Road  makes  it  more  diffi- 
cult. The  last  4 Letters  I have  received  from  you,  were  of  the  30'?1 
& 31*1  July  9'!1  & 10'.h  August.  I believe  I have  received  every  Letter 
you  have  sent  me.  They  generally  come  to  Town  now,  in  6 or  7 days 
after  ye  date.  Last  Fryday  dined  at  Father’s  with  Brother  Benjamin, 
on  his  way  to  Boston  & vicinity,  who  told  me  he  should  come  down  in 
3 or  4 Weeks,  with  his  Wife,  daughter  Betsy,  son  Daniel,  and  their 
neighbour  Mrs.  Hobby,  and  stay  with  us  some  time,  (at  which  occasion 
I shall  wish  you  could  be  at  home.)  Capt"  Richardson  with  his  oldest 
son,  is  gone  to  Dorchester,  as  Mr  Earle  will  inform  you.  Uncle  & 
Aunt  [Joshua  Henshaw]  have  gone  to  Dedham,  to  live  with  their 
Family.  It’s  very  probable  that  Leicester  people  with  you,  have 
Letters  from  their  Friends  as  often  as  you  have,  or  more  so.  How- 
ever, you  may  tell  them  it  is,  generally,  a time  of  Health.  Mrs, 
Lincoln,  who  was  very  poorly  when  her  husband  left,  is  now  much 
better.  We  are  all  in  Health,  & have  had  no  illness  in  the  Family 
during  your  absence,  except  ye  children  have  all  had  the  Rash,  and  that 
very  favourably,  and  soon  after  you  left.  As  to  our  Haying,  it  is 
about  two  thirds  done.  I get  my  help  for  it,  as  I can  ; sometimes  2 or 
3 days  together.  It  has  been  very  poor  haying  a whole  fortnight,  or 
else  we  should  have  been  done  by  this  time.  When  Haying  is  over, 
I am  in  hopes  of  getting  the  things  from  Cambridge  which  perhaps 
you  may  think  I have  been  too  negligent  about.  I have  done  all  in 
my  power,  and  Mr.  Allen  has  done  the  same.  Had  they  been  left  at 
Watertown,  we  could  have  gotten  them  many  times.  Billy  Sargent  is 
going  down  with  saltpetre  to  Watertown.  I have  engaged  him  to  go 
to  Cambridge.  All  our  Friends  here,  seem  concerned  for  your  Health 
& Happiness  and  desire  their  Love  & Regards  to  you.  The  Children 
send  their  Duty,  and  are  every  day,  wishing  for  your  Return  Home. 
I have  nothing  further  to  add,  so  committing  you  to  a merciful  God, 
& praying  that  He  would  keep  & preserve  you,  I sign 
“ Your  loving  & affect6  wife 

“Phebe  Henshaw. 

“ My  Dear,  as  there  is  no  tea  to  be  had  but  for  an  extravagant 
price,  if  you  could  send  me  some  by  Mf  Earle,  you  would  do  me  a 
Favour,  as  before  long,  I will  have  a good  deal  of  Company.”* 


* Tea  had  been  long  out  of  use  in  this  family,  and  the  youthful  wife  and 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


155 


“North  River,  6 Miles  above  N.  York,  Sep*.  10*1'  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — It  gives  me  at  all  Times  the  greatest  Satisfaction  to 
hear  of  your  Health,  and  the  welfare  of  our  Family — and  I am  per- 
suaded you  will  embrace  every  Opportunity  to  gratify  me  therein. 
I am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  there  is  no  Tea  to  be  purchas’d  at  New 
York,  for  love  or  Money  — - 1 was  there  yesterday,  and  Tried  all  over 
the  City,  to  purchase  some.  I have  wrote  to  Bro?  Benjamin  to  buy 
some  there  [Middletown,  Conn.]  if  there  is  any  to  be  sold,  & send  it  by 
Mr  Earle  — have  also  desired  MF  Earle  to  buy  some  on  the  Road,  and 
carry  to  you.  CapF  Brown’s  youngest  Son,  who  was  in  Col?  Prescott’s 
Regl,  is  dead.  Mf  Parkman  & Oliver  Earle  are  poorly.  Have  noth- 
ing Material  to  write,  more  than  Mr.  Earle  can  inform  you  of.  That 
your  Life  & Health,  and  those  of  our  Family,  Connections  & Friends, 
may  be  precious  in  the  sight  of  Heaven,  that  you  may  enjoy  every 
necessary  Blessing,  to  make  you  happy  here,  & happy  hereafter,  is 
the  ardent  wish  of 

“Yours  most  affect 

“ W”  Hens  haw. 

“ P.  S.  Give  my  Duty  to  Parents.  Inform  Father  there  is  no  pros- 
pect of  getting  any  Money  from  Mr.  Cheevers  while  in  the  Service. 
My  Love  to  Brothers,  Sisters,  Children  &c.  My  Regards  to  Mr. 
Conklin  [Rev.  Benjamin  Conklin],  Regards  to  MF  Allen.  Inform 
Brother  Joseph  I had  not  time  to  write  any  other  Letter,  but  shall 
improve  the  next  OppoiY  You  may  always  write  by  the  Post,  who 
calls  at  BroF  Josy’s  about  5 Days  after  he  leaves  my  Letter  there.  I 
hope  to  send  you  some  Money  in  a few  Days.  When  it  comes,  I 
would  have  you  get  a Stock  of  Sugar  for  the  Winter ; as,  it  is  said,  it 
is  now  very  Cheap.” 

“New  Jersey,  near  Fort  Constitution,  Sep*.  29**1  1776. 

“ Mr  Dear,  — I am  obliged  to  you  for  your  last,  & hope  you 
will  continue  to  write  by  the  Post  who  calls  at  BroF  Josy’s  for  Letters. 
If  you  can  send  me  by  the  Post  a pair  of  Stockings  (Yarn  or  Worsted,) 
I shall  be  glad,  as  I have  only  Thread  Stockings,  and  can’t  purchase 
any.  I shall  send  you  20  Dollars,  & I lb.  of  Tea,  which  here  costs 

mother  did  not  wish  for  it  as  a luxury,  or  to  help  to  sustain  herself  under  the 
burden  of  accumulated  cares  and  responsibilities ; but  as  a refreshment  for  the 
five  visitors  after  a tedious  journey  from  a neighboring  State.  After  much 
search,  her  husband  was  able  to  procure  the  desired  article,  as  a rare  beverage, 
to  contribute  to  the  enjoyments  of  the  social  hour. 


156 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


a Dollar,  & some  ask  Two  Dollars  & a half  pr.  pound.  If  there  is  any 
to  be  sold  near  you,  you’d  better  buy  it.  If  there  is  not,  I will  send 
you  some  more  when  I have  an  Opportunity. 

“I  informed  you  in  my  last,  we  had  a Brush  with  the  Enemy  the 
16‘.h  Ins!  in  which  we  lost  about  15  Kill’d,  & 50  Wounded.  They 

say  they  had  15 Kill’d  & Wounded,  but  we  judge  many  more. 

They  have  been  very  peaceable,  since.  I hope,  my  Dear,  I don’t  dis- 
trust the  Goodness  of  that  Being  who  has  preserv’d  me  to  this  Day,  & 
am  thankful  for  the  Mercies  which  I and  my  Friends  are  daily  receiv- 
ing at  his  Hands.  I am  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind  Wishes  — That 
you  may  enjoy  every  Favour  that  is  needful  for  your  Happiness,  is  the 
real  desire  of  yours  Affection17  : 

“ WM  Henshaw. 

“ P.  S.  Give  my  Duty  to  Parents,  Love  to  Brothers,  Sisters,  Chil- 
dren & all  Enquiring  Friends.” 

“ White  Plains,  Octt  31s.1  1776. 

“My  Dear,  — As  I have  not  time  to  write  more  than  one  Letter, 
I shall  not  refer  you  to  any.  In  your  last,  you  want  to  know  whether 
I was  in  the  Brush,  or  Battle,  mentioned  in  my  last.  I was  there. 
In  our  Brigade  was  Kill’d  & Wounded,  75:  in  the  whole  Kill’d  & 
Wounded  on  our  Side,  about  100  — of  the  Enemy,  by  the  best  informa- 
tion we  have,  about  500.  Since  which  we  have  had  several  Skirmishes. 
I was  not  in  them,  though  I saw  some  of  them.  One  of  them  last 
Week  was  fought  by  Reed’s  & Learned’s  Reg*.?  where  we  had  six 
kill'd  and  a number  Wounded : the  Enemy  had  Kill’d  & Wounded, 
above  200  — the  same  Week  a Scouting  Party  came  across  the  famous 
Rogers,  with  a Scouting  party  of  the  Enemy,  took  30  of  them  Prison- 
ers, & Kill’d  a number  of  them.  This  Week  we  had  some  Battles 
with  them.  Monday,  the  28'!1  Inst,  about  2000  of  them  came  on  a 
height  of  Land  on  these  Plains,  Attacked  our  Picquet  & after  some 
time,  forc’d  our  People  to  give  Back.  The  Loss  on  either  side  I can- 
not ascertain,  but  suppose  we  had  Kill’d  & Wounded  near  100,  as  the 
Eire  of  Cannon  & Small  Arms  was  heavy  for  some  time.  The  Day 
before,  they  Attacked  our  Lines  near  Fort  Washington,  with  two  of 
our  Brigades,  & some  of  their  Ships.  Their  Ships  were  much  dam- 
aged ; one  of  them,  they  were  obliged  to  Tow  off.  Our  People  at  the 
Lines  reserved  their  Fire  till  the  Brigades  advanced  pretty  near,  then 
gave  them  a heavy  Fire  which  caused  them  to  Retreat ; they  form’d 
& advanc’d  the  second  time,  when  our  People  gave  them  the  second 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


157 


Fire ; they  Retreated  as  before,  & form’d  the  Third  time,  came  up  & 
Fired  at  the  Lines,  which  was  so  warmly  returned,  that  they  Retreated. 
Our  People  then  Jump’d  over  the  Lines,  & pursued  them  & Kill’d 
many,  but  the  Number  is  not  ascertained.  Should  I have  another 
Opportunity  to  write,  can  better  inform  you.  We  had  but  one  Kill’d 
in  this  Battle.  We  took  14  Hessians  one  Day  this  Week,  & one  Eng- 
lish Officer,  — have  had  several  Deserters  come  in  this  Week. 

“ The  Enemy  are  now  Encamp’d  within  Gun  shot  of  us,  so  that  there 
is  a continual  firing  of  Small  Arms.  We  let  two  Hessians  which  we 
took  some  time  ago,  return  to  the  Enemy’s  Camp.  We  daily  expect 
an  Engagement  with  the  Enemy. 

Brother  Denny  * was  here  Yesterday  to  see  me ; is  well  & Sta- 
tioned at  Terry  Town  on  the  North  River,  about  8 Miles  from  this. 
Cap!  Lincoln,  Parkman,  & our  People  in  general,  were  well  a few 
Days  ago.  Should  I live  to  see  Peace  Restor’d  and  our  Rights 
Restor’d,  shall  prize  the  Blessing  more  than  ever.  I have  heard  many 
Rumours  that  it  would  be  tedious  to  write.  Last  Night  we  took 
Dr.  Whitworth's  son  (of  Boston)  Prisoner.  He  was  in  some  Office 
with  the  Enemy.  My  Duty  where  due.  Love  to  Bror  Josey  & Wife, 
Brothers,  Sisters,  & all  Relations.  My  Respects  to  Friends. 

“ I am  Yours,  affectionately, 

“ WM  Henshaw. 

“ P.  S.  I am  in  Health,  hope  this  will  find  you  & all  Friends  the 
same.” 

“ Phillips  Manor,  Novt  W 1776. 

“ Last  Night  we  Removed  to  this  Place,  3 Miles  from  our  last 
Encampment — Where  we  shall  be  to  Morrow,  I know  not  — The 
Enemy,  I have  just  heard,  are  on  their  March  to  pay  us  a Visit.” 


“ Col.  Little,  commandant  of  the  regiment,  having  been  appointed 
to  another  branch  of  service,  the  chief  command  devolved  on  Lt.-Col. 

Henshaw,  and  so  continued  during  the  following  winter 

“ His  brother  officer  and  townsman,  Col.  Samuel  Denny,  reported  the 
part  Col.  Henshaw  took  in  engagements,  the  one  at  Chatterton’s  Hill, 
or  White  Plains  and  particularly  the  one  at  Fort  Washington,  where 


* Colonel  Samuel  Denny.  In  February,  1776,  lie  was  elected  Colonel  of  the 
First  Regiment  in  Worcester  County,  and  in  November  following  was  stationed 
with  the  army  at  Tarrvtown. 


158 


REMINISCENCES  OE 


the  British  formed,  advanced,  and  were  repulsed  three  times.  He  said 
the  field-officers  of  the  brigade  to  which  his  regiment  belonged  gave 
Col.  Ilenshaw  credit  for  the  mode  of  warfare  adopted  on  that  occasion, 
viz.,  to  reserve  fire  until  within  eight  rods  of  the  advancing  enemy. 
And  instead  of  marching  in  close  columns,  with  shouldered  arms,  the 
troops  were  spread  out  three  feet  apart,  their  muskets  held  in  the  right 
hand,  with  muzzle  elevated  at  about  forty-five  degrees.  Thus  extended, 
and  with  a rapid  march,  the  advancing  enemy  gave  way,  and  retreated 
before  a gun  was  discharged  on  our  side.  The  officers  said  the  favor- 
able result  of  that  day  was  due  to  the  energy  and  perseverance  of  Col. 
Ilenshaw. 

“ Another  Leicester  man,  Capt.  Loring  Lincoln,  who  commanded  a 
company  of  militia  at  that  station  in  the  same  battle,  used  to  speak 
exultingly  of  his  friend  and  townsman  on  that  particular  occasion.  He 
said  the  colonel  might  be  seen  hurrying  from  place  to  place  on  his 
foaming  horse,  giving  brief  orders  to  field  and  company  officers,  and 
that  he  was  particularly  active  in  rallying  the  troops  to  meet  the  enemy 
in  their  second  and  third  advance.  He  said  our  colonel  had  deter- 
mined that  we  must  win  the  day,  and  he  worked  accordingly.”  — Rem- 
iniscences by  H.  G.  Henshaw. 

In  reply  to  a letter  from  his  wife,  in  which  she  hoped  he  would  do 
what  he  could  to  lessen  the  profanity  of  soldiers,  he  writes  (July  16)  : 
“ I always  bear  testimony  against  prophane  language.  — It  is  the  Duty 
of  Officers  to  abstain  from  swearing  themselves,  and  punish  those  (under 
them,)  who  practise  it.” 

Evidence  of  this  “testimony,”  and  performance  of  duty  in  sup- 
pressing the  practice,  appears  in  orders  issued  by  him  while  at  White 
Plains : — 

“Regimental  Orders  for  the  12™  Reg? 

“Octf  30^  1776. 

“ That  a Morning  Report  be  made  Daily  of  the  state  of  Companys 
in  the  Reg1  &c 

“ Commanding  Officers  of  Comp5!8  will  see  the  Rolls  called,  agreeable 
to  Gen!  Orders,  and  that  the  Soldiers  do  not  Straggle  from  the  Reg!  nor 
go  out  of  Drum  Call  without  leave  from  them  in  Writing. 

“ The  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Regt!  for  the  Time  being,  wishes 
Prophanity  suppressed  in  the  Reg*;  to  accomplish  it,  he  hopes  the  Offi- 
cers will  refrain  from  it,  and  set  an  Example  for  the  Soldiers  : as  it  is 
(in  his  Opinion,)  unbecoming  the  Gentleman,  and  degrading  to  the 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


159 


Soldier ; neither  can  we  expect  Success  will  attend  our  Arms  while 
such  Blasphemous  Expressions  & horrid  Oaths  are  used  in  common 
Conversation  ; he  therefore  hopes  the  Officers  will  exert  themselves  in 
putting  a stop  to  such  impious  language.  W.  H.  Corn1” 

“ Orders  — Nov.  2?  1776. 

“ All  prophane  Language  is  forbid  to  be  used  in  the  Reg!  Any 
Soldier  convicted  thereof,  will  not  only  be  subject  to  pay  a fine  of  1/, 
but  also  be  Order’d  on  the  next  Duty  of  Fatigue  for  Disobedience  of 
Orders.  Officers  are  desir’d  to  take  down  the  Names  of  those  who 
offend  in  this  Point,  that  they  may  be  dealt  with  accordingly. 

“ Any  Soldier  convicted  of  Plundering,  or  Stealing  Sauce  or  Poultry, 
shall  be  punish’d  on  the  Spot  without  the  Benefit  of  a Court  Martial. 

{ No  Guns  to  be  fired  without  leave  from  the  Command?  Officer  of  the 
Reg!  William  Henshaw,  D.  Col.  Com1." 

In  November  he  was  offered  the  command  of  a new  regiment. 
This  was  declined,  as  he  chose  to  remain  in  his  present  position,  with 
officers  and  men  whose  courage,  constancy,  and  firmness  in  action  had 
been  tested  and  found  reliable.  In  his  own  language  he  states,  — 

“ In  November  the  Gen1  Court’s  Committe  offered  me  the  command 
of  a Reg?  during  the  War  : but  considering  the  losses  I had  sustained, 
the  number  of  Regiments  to  be  disbanded,  and  that  many  worthy  Offi- 
cers must  return  home,  and  having  a family  of  young  children,  I 
esteemed  it  my  duty  to  decline  accepting.  In  Novr  General  Wash- 
ington went  with  one  division  of  the  Army  into  the  Jerseys,  and  wrote 
to  Gen!  Lee  to  join  him  with  the  other.  . . . We  marched  under  the 
command  of  Gen1  Lee,  till  he  was  taken  by  the  enemy,  then  under 
Gen!  Sullivan,  till  we  joined  Gen!  Washington  at  Bristol,  who  informed 
us  that  he  could  not  keep  the  Field,  but  must  abandon  it,  if  the  Regi- 
ments whose  term  of  service  was  nearly  expired,  did  not  continue  with 
him  till  he  should  be  reinforced.  We  agreed  to  stay.” 

After  a conference  of  officers,  when  they  agreed  to  remain,  Col.  Ilen- 
shaw  exerted  himself  at  Crosswicks,  to  induce  the  men  to  remain  beyond 
the  time  of  enlistment  by  appeals  to  their  patriotism  aud  sense  of  right ; 
by  representing  the  baseness  of  deserting  their  devoted  leader  in  such 
a crisis,  and  their  country,  whose  service  should  claim  their  first  atten- 
tion ; adding  “At  present,  this  is  our  business , let  us  not  forsake  it. 
It  is  you  and  I,  brave  boys,  who  are  banded  together  in  one  common 
cause.  We  scorn  the  thought  of  flying  from  it.”  In  common  with  all 
engaged  in  that  memorable  winter’s  campaign,  he  endured  hardships  ; 

21 


160 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


the  severities  of  the  season  he  mentions  as  being  very  great.  In  their 
continuous  marches  through  rains  and  excessive  cold,  he  animated  and 
encouraged  the  men  by  words  of  approbation,  and  the  assurance  that 
as  officers  and  men  shared  alike  in  uncertainties,  sufferings,  and  dan- 
gers, so  all  would  share  in  the  honor  and  reward  of  faithful  service, 
and  that  they  might  indulge  in  a reasonable  expectation  of  success 
and  victory.  In  some  short  respite  or  halt  at  the  last  of  the  month, 
he  added  something  that  might  serve  to  enliven  the  physical  energies 
greatly  reduced  by  stress  of  weather  and  warfare,  — a bottle  of  choice 
wine,  with  an  improvised  song  or  mirthful  parody,  or  whatever  could 
be  obtained,  and  could  be  called  “ good  cheer.” 

And  when,  by  the  penetration  and  skill  of  their  illustrious  com- 
mander, a victory  was  accomplished,  they  did  indeed  share  in  the  glory 
of  that  event, — an  achievement  that  might  well  excite  universal 
admiration,  and  furnish  an  inspiring  theme  for  the  pen  of  many  a 
classic  and  historic  writer. 

Rejoicings  and  mutual  congratulations  among  brother  officers  fol- 
lowed, as  they  found  opportunity  for  social  enjoyment  and  converse  at 
Princeton.  Toils,  dangers,  and  sufferings  were  forgotten  in  the 
triumph  of  success.  On  this  occasion,  as  at  the  time  of  holding  the 
conference,  the  names  of  those  forming  a “ Mess,”  are  recorded  as 
“ Colonels  Hitchcock,  Nixon,  Henshaw,  Crary  — Majors  White,  Col- 
man  — Captains  Cole,  Gerrish,  Flagg,  Hey  wood,”  with  three  “ Doc- 
tors,” and  an  Ensign. 

After  accompanying  their  victorious  chief  to  Morristown,  Col.  Hen- 
shaw proceeds:  “From  thence,  the  Brigade  we  belonged  to,  was 
ordered  to  Chatham,  where  we  remained  till  Reinforcements  arrived, 
in  the  following  February,  when  we  obtained  discharges,  and  I re- 
turned home.” 

While  at  Chatham,  he  was  busied  in  promoting  the  interests  of  the 
army,  and  in  attentions  to  the  wants  of  the  regiment.  A visit  from  a 
nephew,  Benjamin  Henshaw,  Jr.,  belonging  to  Connecticut  troops,  was 
a source  of  much  enjoyment,  so  long  separated  from  all  relatives. 

He  reached  home,  after  fifteen  days’  travel,  on  the  15th  Febru- 
ary, where  he  received  the  cordial  welcome  and  greetings  of  friends 
and  neighbors,  and  letters  of  congratulation  from  those  at  a distance. 
The  same  sister  who  gave  him  her  parting  blessing,  in  writing,  lived 
at  a remote  part  of  the  town,  and,  in  the  gladness  of  her  heart  at  his 
safe  return,  sent  these  lines  in  token  of  her  thankfulness  until  she 
could  see  him  in  person  : — 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


_ 161 


Leicester,  February  ye  15'?  1777. 

“ Dear  Brother,  — - Having  but  just  heard  of  your  return,  I could 
not  forbear  writing  a line  to  you.  I heartily  congratulate  you  thereon. 
Your  safe  return,  is  a favour  granted  almost  beyond  what  I expected, 
and  therefore  affects  my  mind  the  more  ; although  it  is  what  I have 
earnestly  asked  for  you,  yet  sometimes  my  doubting  heart  would  tell 
me  I should  not  be  heard.  O,  may  your  heart  with  mine,  and  the  rest 
of  our  dear  friends,  be  suitably  affected  with  a sense  of  God’s  goodness 
to  you.  And  now  that  you  have  gone  through  the  many  hardships, 
difficulties  and  dangers  of  a long  Campaign,  I hope  you  will  enjoy 
that  Peace,  Comfort,  and  Satisfaction  with  your  family  and  friends, 
which  will  in  some  measure  compensate  you  for  the  trials  you  have 
had  to  encounter.  I must  close,  it  being  late  at  night.  I remain 
“ Your  very  affectionate  Sister 

‘‘  Elizabeth  Denny. 

“ I wish  very  much  to  see  you,  but  my  health  will  not  permit  my 
going  so  far.  I shall  send  you  a little  Cheese  by  the  first  opportu- 
nity, as  a small  token  of  my  love  to  you  ; doubtless  you  will  have  a 
number  of  friends  to  welcome  your  return,  and  this  may  be  handy, 
and  I know  it  is  very  scarce.  My  love  to  your  wife  — tell  her  I wish 
her  Joy.” 

After  this  experience  in  military  conflict  with  Britons  and  Hes- 
sians, and  practice  of  the  “ Discipline  ” learned  at  Fort  Edward,  it 
was  a grateful  change  to  return  to  the  more  congenial  pursuits  of  the 
civilian  and  of  domestic  life. 

Letters  from  the  nephew  before  mentioned,  Benjamin  Henshaw,  Jr., 
gave  information  of  raids  and  foraging  parties  from  the  enemy  in  the 
vicinity  of  Morristown  and  Chatham.  Postal  arrangements  were 
so  increased  as  to  furnish  information  directly,  and  from  more 
points  than  the  previous  year,  facilitating  correspondence,  and  lessen- 
ing journeys  “ to  forward  the  information.”  As  has  been  stated,  the 
labors  of  Col.  Henshaw  did  not  cease  with  a withdrawal  from  the 
army.  He  immediately  entered  upon  a series  of  public  service  for 
preserving  order  and  good  government  at  home  as  well  as  for  pro- 
moting the  operations  of  the  field.  In  June  he  was  appointed  to  investi- 
gate cases  of  supposed  hostility  to  government  and  to  procure  evidence 
of  the  same,  reporting  such  names  to  the  “general  sessions  of  the 
Peace.”  This,  however,  was  a work  of  but  short  duration,  in  such  a 
community. 


162 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


He  was  tin's  year  again  chosen  one  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  and 
Correspondence.  The  duties  of  this  office  were  various  and  constant, 
requiring  vigilance  and  activity  in  cooperations  with  the  military 
department. 

In  the  general  rejoicing  at  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne  and  his  army, 
Leicester  people  had  no  inconsiderable  a part,  for  they  had  furnished 
brave  men  that  year  for  the  northern  army ; and  many  a household 
had  spared  the  husband,  son,  or  brother  who  had  aided  in  the  capture 
of  these  troops,  marching  into  their  lines  to  the  lively  air  of  “Yankee 
Doodle.” 

In  October  Col.  Henshaw,  as  one  of  the  committee  acting  for  the 
inhabitants,  received  a notification  from  Springfield,  signed  by  “ Jn°. 
Gooch,  A.  D.  Q.  M.  Gl,”  that  the  Hessian  prisoners  would,  on  the 
following  week,  pass  through  Leicester  en  route  for  their  destination, 
Cambridge.  It  specified  that  they  be  provided  with  quarters,  houses 
or  buildings,  and  the  necessary  amount  of  wood,  and  hay  for  their  cat- 
tle. The  writer  added  : “ Great  care  is  to  be  taken  that  the  strictest 
attention  be  paid  to  the  Convention  signed  by  General  Gates,  there- 
fore it  behooves  you  to  make  the  best  provision  possible.  . . . Human- 
ity, I make  no  doubt.will  influence  you  so  far  as  to  stimulate  you  to 
the  utmost  Exertions  for  their  Accommodations.  The  bearer  of  this 
will  advise  with  you,  & you  will  please  to  give  him  all  the  assistance 
in  your  power.” 

The  several  encounters  with  Hessians,  the  wonderful  escape  from 
the  enemy  at  Flatbush,  their  barbarous  treatment  of  prisoners,  and 
the  bayonet  thrusts  at  Trenton  and  Princeton,  were  fresh  in  mind ; 
but  no  spirit  of  vindictiveness  or  hatred  mingled  in  the  humanity 
habitually  exercised  by  Col.  Henshaw  toward  the  enemy.  It  was, 
however,  with  satisfaction  that  he  and  his  neighbors  could  look  upon 
these  mercenary  beings,  no  longer  able  to  practise  their  cruelties,  and 
upon  their  commander,  who  had  so  complacently  looked  upon  the 
destruction  of  Charlestown  and  the  sacrifice  on  Bunker’s  Hill,  where 
loved  ones  had  suffered  and  died,  — as  a surrendered  body,  made  inca- 
pable of  further  cruelties. 

With  Col.  Seth  Washburn,  Col.  Henshaw  was  a delegate  to  the 
Convention  for  framing  a State  Constitution.  It  is  said,  by  one  able 
to  judge,  that  “among  the  congregated  talent  and  wisdom  of  the  State, 
these  delegates  held  an  honorable  position,  and  took  an  important  part 
in  its  proceedings,  especially  as  members  of  its  committees.” 

Here  he  mingled  in  consultation  and  council  with  several  kindred 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


163 


of  more  or  less  relationship,  — Increase  Sumner,  Samuel  Ilenshaw,  a 
member  from  Milton,  still  eager  to  advance  the  public  good,  after- 
wards appointed  to  the  office  of  Collector  at  Boston  ; he  subsequently 
removed  to  Northampton,  where  he  was  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Com- 
mon Pleas.  Col.  Ilenshaw  ever  retained  him  in  memory  as  an  esteemed 
friend  and  relative.  In  his  later  life,  when  his  sons  could  appreciate 
the  blessings  of  a good  government,  and  enjoy  his  recital  of  past  events, 
he  related,  among  the  occurrences  of  this  occasion,  a brief  interview 
and  conversation  with  another  friend,  John  Adams,  who  had  so  large 
a share  in  the  formation  of  the  Constitution,  in  which  they  hastily 
glanced  at  the  important  changes  that  had  already  come  over  the 
country  since  their  manhood  (being  of  the  same  age),  and  at  the 
brightening  prospects  opening  before  them.  This  was  one  of  the  happy 
events  within  his  experience,  which,  from  the  object  had  in  view, 
afforded  pleasure  at  the  time  ; and  which,  in  the  enjoyment  of  blessings 
flowing  from  that  Constitution,  afforded  pleasure  in  the  retrospect. 

Mr.  Ilenshaw  received  from  Gov.  Hancock  a justice’s  commission, 
and  one  from  every  succeeding  governor,  the  last  being  from  his  es- 
teemed friend,  Gov.  Brooks.  After  the  establishment  of  the  National 
Constitution,  he  received  several  appointments,  unsolicited  by  himself, 
but  as  marks  of  favor  from  personal  friends. 

He  was  appointed  “ Principal  Assessor”  for  a given  portion  of  the 
State;  “Surveyor  of  the  Revenue  for  a direct  tax”;  afterwards' an 
“ Enumerator  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  U.  S.,”  three  towns  being 
allotted  to  him;  and  a collector  of  gold  and  silver  tax. 

As  justice  of  the  peace,  and  afterwards  of  the  quorum,  he  had  con- 
stant employ  for  nearly  all  his  remaining  life,  and  numerous  private 
trusts  and  responsibilities  devolved  upon  him.  The  liberties  and  laws 
of  the  land  were  ever  dear  to  him ; he  could  not  relax  his  vigilance 
and  exertions  to  maintain  them ; to  promote  the  highest  interests  of 
his  country  was  still  held  by  him  as  a sacred  obligation.  In  the  insur- 
rection of  1787  he  lent  his  best  influence  and  aid  to  meet  and  suppress 
it.  He  closely  watched  every  movement  in  the  political  world,  his 
anxiety  sometimes  impelling  him  to  point  out,  by  the  pen,  what  he 
deemed  errors,  or  measures  unfavorable  to  republican  principles. 

He  took  a deep  interest  in  the  advancement  of  science,  and  the  pro- 
gress of  mind  in  its  various  departments.  In  his  own  town  he  was 
among  the  first  to  form  a public  library,  — or  “ Social  Library,”  — and 
to  encourage  and  aid  a “ Literary  Association  ” of  the  younger  ladies 
of  the  place. 


164 


REMINISCENCES  OF 


With  an  intelligent  sympathy  in  the  progress  of  opinion  and  the 
extension  of  knowledge,  he  replenished  his  own  library,  which,  from 
its  comparative  size  and  miscellaneous  character,  had  been  a conven- 
ience to  his  townsmen,  liberally  patronizing  the  printing  press  he 
had  been  interested  in  establishing  at  Worcester.  After  Isaiah  Thomas 
had  issued  his  first  editions  of  the  Bible,  one  in  “ royal  quarto,”  and 
another  in  folio,  with  fifty  copper-plate  engravings,  to  encourage  the 
sale,  he  procured  cojries  of  the  former,  and,  at  great  cost,  a copy  of 
the  latter  as  a gift  to  his  parish.  Selecting  a time  when  he  would  be 
unobserved,  he  placed  it  upon  the  minister’s  desk,  having  inscribed 
upon  a leaf, 

“Foil  the  Congregational  Society  in  Leicester. 

This  Bible  is  presented  by  one  of  its  Friends. 

April,  A.  D.  1800.” 

This  was  the  first  Bible  in  use ; its  first  reading  being  by  the  pastor, 
Rev.  Mr.  Moore,  on  the  4th  May,  1800. 

If  the  public  benefactions  of  Mr.  Henshaw  were  few,  it  was  because 
his  pecuniary  ability  did  not  correspond  with  his  wishes.  His  private 
charities  and  deeds  of  benevolence  were  in  exercise  to  an  extent  un- 
known beyond  the  family  circle.  Friendship  and  remote  relationship 
were  made  available  for  successful  appeals  to  his  generosity  and  affec- 
tion. 

When  business  pursuits  were  resumed,  after  the  long  and  exhausting 
conflict,  and  employments  under  the  new  offices  entered  upon,  some 
relief  was  afforded  to  his  straitened  circumstances,  — a condition  con- 
sequent upon  the  long-interrupted,  sometimes  quite  neglected,  inter- 
ests of  his  moderate  estate,  increased  by  losses  sustained  at  various 
times  while  in  public  service.  An  opportune  legacy  afforded  greater 
relief. 

His  genial  spirit,  social  and  sympathizing  nature,  made  him  an  ever- 
welcome  guest  with  friends,  and  his  own  hospitable  house  an  attractive 
place  of  resort,  where,  a favorite  with  young  relatives,  he  could  join 
their  circle  in  converse,  diversions,  and  especially  in  music  and  song, 
with  the  keen  enjoyment  of  youth,  while  his  presence  lent  a charm  to 
their  own  entertainment.  In  the  relation  of  thrilling  scenes  witnessed 
by  himself,  or  events  in  which  he  had  participated,  he  never  mentioned 
those  in  which  he  had  been  conspicuous  or  borne  a prominent  part ; 
and  if  urged  to  explain  how  he  had  overcome  obstacles,  or  escaped 
from  great  danger,  on  occasions  when  it  was  well  known  that  deliver- 
ance was  due  to  his  judgment  and  skill,  he  would  describe  the  mode  of 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


165 


escape,  invariably  ascribing  his  preservation  to  a “ kind  and  over-ruling 
Providence  ” guiding  and  controlling  all  his  movements.  In  this  way 
he  diverted  their  attention  from  himself. 

He  was  wont  to  entertain  his  younger  children  with  accounts  of  the 
young,  heroic  French  nobleman,  La  Fayette;  and  as  he  dwelt  with 
fond  admiration  upon  the  virtues,  generosity,  toils,  and  sacrifices  of  this 
illustrious  personage,  his  own  kindling  eye  and  glowing  countenance 
told  the  enthusiasm  of  his  being,  and  the  grateful  appreciation  that 
must  find  some  expression.  The  return  of  our  national  jubilee,  or  the 
mention  of  “liberty”  and  “independence,”  seemed  to  awaken  memo- 
ries of  a past  century,  and  of  the  long  and  mighty  struggle  to  secure 
that  independence,  when  he  seemed  aglow  with  the  same  patriotic 
fervor  that  had  inspired  his  spirit  to  deeds  of  heroism.  These  occa- 
sions, and  his  notice  of  those  distinguished  for  their  exertions  and 
achievements  in  military  or  civil  life,  in  a manner  calculated  to  excite 
their  highest  gratitude,  together  with  his  own  impressive  appearance, 
never  faded  from  the  memory  of  his  children,  or  ceased  to  call  up  such 
emotions  as  are  caused  by  no  ordinary  scene. 

An  interest  in  ancestry  and  fondness  for  tracing  relationship  led  him 
when  quite  advanced  in  years  to  visit  the  homes  of  his  American  an- 
cestors,— Dorchester,  Milton,  Braintree,  Quincy,  — where,  by  exam- 
ining ancient  records  and  monumental  inscriptions,  and  conversing 
with  aged  inhabitants,  he  collected  information,  and  added  to  his  stores 
of  family  history. 

He  was  a worthy  descendant  of  worthy  ancestors,  and  proved  him- 
self a living  exemplification  of  their  ancient  family  motto. 

With  an  unabated  desire  for  reading,  and  love  of  the  beauties  of 
nature,  in  the  closing  years  of  life,  he  daily  found  fresh  delight  in  his 
books  and  the  magazine-reading  of  the  day,  and  in  the  picturesque 
scenery  around  him,  — the  long-familiar  views  that  had  delighted  his 
boyhood’s  fancy  and  manhood’s  cultivated  taste. 

A deep  reverence  for  God  and  an  abiding  trust  in  Infinite  wisdom 
and  love  were  distinctive  traits  of  his  whole  life.  He  daily  assembled 
his  household  for  the  reading  of  God’s  word  and  prayer.  In  solemn 
consecration,  he  devoted  his  children  and  all  his  posterity  to  their 
Heavenly  Father  and  his  service.  That  this  was  a transaction  of  mo- 
ment with  him,  and  an  offering  made  in  the  seasons  of  his  retirement, 
appears  in  his  private  papers.  Mrs.  Henshaw,  after  a lingering  sick- 
ness of  pulmonary  affections,  died  eleven  years  before  her  husband’s 
decease,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five.  During  a happy  union  of  thirty-seven 


166 


REMINISCENCES  OP 


years,  she  had  been  his  aid  and  encouragement  by  her  ready  sympathy 
and  open-handed  liberality.  She  was  a person  of  great  amiability  and 
kindness  of  disposition.  It  is  recorded  of  her  that  “ she  walked  before 
‘ her  household  blameless,’  quietly  submitting  to  the  trials  and  crosses 
of  life,  not  fainting  by  the  way,  but  doing  with  singleness  of  heart  the 
work  allotted  her  on  earth.” 

A few  years  before  bis  death,  Col.  Heoshaw  suffered  a slight  and 
temporary  paralysis,  which,  however,  did  not  impair  his  mental 
powers.  The  watchful  care  and  attentions  of  affectionate  and  devoted 
children  were  given  to  him  in  his  declining  years,  and  last  sickness  of 
several  months,  in  which  he  endured  sufferings  with  his  uniform  serenity 
and  patience. 

Just  after  saying,  “In  Christ  is  all  my  dependence,”  he  peacefully 
departed,  leaving,  as  was  said  of  his  mother,  a perpetual  fragrance  on 
his  name  and  memory. 

Among  the  notices  of  his  death  was  an  appropriate  tribute  by  his 
esteemed  friend  Gov.  Brooks. 

The  “ Boston  Palladium  ” contained  an  obituary  written  by  a young 
friend  who,  as  a guest,  had  known  him  in  his  home. 

The  following  passages  are  taken  from  it : — 

“ The  grave  lias  closed  over  the  remains  of  Col.  William  Ilenshaw. 
Pew  have  lived  so  little  known  to  the  world,  and  few  so  deserving  of 
its  praise,  as  Col.  II.  His  character  was  of  that  unassuming  cast 
which  shrinks  from  observation,  and  is  better  pleased  with  the  conscious- 
ness, than  with  the  appearance  of  doing  right.  . . . Col.  II.  was  equally 
an  object  of  admiration  in  his  military  and  in  his  private  life.  He 
served  in  the  French  War  and  as  Colonel  in  the  struggle  of  our  Revo- 
lution. He  was  always  distinguished  for  his  clearness  in  council,  and 
his  coolness  and  intrepidity  in  action,  and  we  find  honourable  mention 
made  of  him  in  several  histories  of  those  times.  . . . Frankness  of  dis- 
position and  great  fondness  for  friends  were  leading  traits  in  his 
character ; and  it  was  pleasant  to  hear  him  recounting  the  incidents  of 
a long  life  with  an  accuracy  and  cheerfulness  showing  the  mind  to  be 
still  vigorous.  . . . He  possessed  that  dignity  of  character  which  always 
commands  respect. 

“It  is  consoling  to  friends  to  reflect  that  few  have  left  behind  them 
a brighter  example  or  a more  spotless  name ; and  that,  though  the 
tomb  has  closed  over  his  earthly  remains,  his  virtues  live  after  him, 
hallowing  his  character  and  embalming  his  memory.” 

In  person,  Col.  Ilenshaw  is  said  to  have  been  of  medium  height, 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  HENSHAW. 


167 


compact  without  corpulency ; his  hair  light,  with  clear,  florid  com- 
plexion and  dark-bine  eyes. 

He  left  a mass  of  papers  and  writings,  many  of  them  scattered  im- 
mediately after  his  decease,  which,  with  official  documents  previously 
loaned  by  himself  and  never  recovered,  would  have  exhibited  more 
fully  and  in  a clearer  light  some  periods  and  associations  of  his  life. 
His  own  part  in  the  correspondence  with  friends,  had  they  been  pre- 
served or  obtainable,  would  have  better  represented  him  than  any 
words  employed  by  another.  The  familiar  family  letters  introduced, 
give  pictures  of  domestic  life,  and  show  the  tender  regard  of  a son, 
brother,  husband,  and  parent. 

These  papers,  descriptive  of  the  associates  and  associations  of  Col. 
Henshaw,  and  considered  by  the  writer  of  his  memoir  worthy  of  notice, 
with  such  material  as  could  be  gleaned  from  other  sources,  sometimes 
the  minute  events  or  homely  accounts  of  personal  experience  and  daily 
life,  are  presented  in  this  connection  in  response  to  the  wishes  of  friends 
— and  for  the  gratification  of  the  few  descendants  and  relatives  still 
living,  who  remember  their  ancestor  with  affectionate  admiration  ; and 
of  those  who,  not  having  seen  him,  would  know  more  connected  with 
his  personal  history.  They  may  serve  to  show  that  his  limited  oppor- 
tunity for  education  was  supplemented  by  native  ability  of  mind,  — a 
lack  of  wealth,  with  its  influential  and  needful  agencies,  by  a wealth  of 
soul  that  could  abide  the  test  in  times  when  the  souls  of  men  were 
severely  tried.  They  cannot  fail  to  call  for  a grateful  recognition,  on 
the  part  of  the  compiler,  of  his  private  virtues  and  fidelity  to  public 
duty.  And,  however  imperfectly  performed,  this  compilation  is  but  the 
discharge  of  filial  obligation  and  of  a sacred  trust. 


